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HERITAGE WEEK IS definitely one of my favourite times of the year, as there are so many opportunities to experience the absolute wealth of Ireland’s heritage.
There are talks, tours, exhibitions, demonstrations, and more all across the country. This year’s theme is ‘Family; generations exploring heritage together’, and a large number of the events are specifically geared towards introducing children and families to experience Irish heritage.
Here are just a few of the events that are on around the country on the first weekend of Heritage Week.
Dublin area
Archaeofest 2014 (Merrion Square, Dublin. Today, 11am – 4pm, free)
Heritage Week officially launches at Archaeofest in Merrion Square, Dublin today. Archaeofest is a free one-day event, organised by the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland in conjunction with the Heritage Council which celebrates the rich archaeological heritage of Ireland. Archaeofest last year was a really fun day out, and this year it looks even bigger and better, with lots to see and experience for the whole family.
It features a bouncy dolmen, demonstrations of flint-knapping, viking combat, ancient and medieval crafts like butter-churning, nael-binding (crochet), medieval music and you can meet a Viking scribe and carpenter.
There will be a tent full of archaeological specialists just waiting to answer all your questions about archaeology, and there will be interactive hands-on displays by the National Monuments Service, the Heritage Council, the Discovery Programme and Grassroots Archaeology. You can see how archaeologists use techniques like geophysical survey to see what lies beneath the surface, and there is a wonderful chance for children to get hands on experience of excavation with the Big Dig by the School of Irish Archaeology.
Tour of Arbour Hill Cemetery (Arbour Hill, Dublin 7. Tomorrow, 2-3pm, free)
Arbour Hill Cemetery has been used as a military cemetery by both the British and Irish armies. This free tour focuses on the story of the executed leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, and promises to be a fascinating insight into the struggle for Irish independence.
National Print Museum Family Fun Day, (National Print Museum, Dublin 4. Tomorrow, noon - 4pm, free)
Don a hat and apron and become a mini printer for the day! The museum will be a hive of activity with printing demonstrations, face painting, mini workshops and arts and crafts. See their website for more.
Tallafest14 (Tallaght village. Today, noon-6pm, free)
A free fun event organised by Tallaght Community Council to promote the rich and varied heritage and arts in Tallaght.
Rest of Leinster
Meath – Beat your Drum for Heritage Week (Hill of Tara, Meath. Today 2-5pm, free)
Join 200 drummers on the Hill of Tara to celebrate National Heritage Week. Suitable for ages 8-plus, no experience necessary, hand drums provided. Also on the Hill of tomorrow between 12.30–4pm, you can enjoy a free demonstration of birds of prey, with falcons, hawks and owls.
Louth – Medieval brewing demonstration, (Old Mellifont Abbey, Louth. Tomorrow 2-5pm, free)
Learn how the monks made mead and ale. Taste and discover that mead, although made from honey, is not sweet but strong! Taste ales made by modern day monks using traditional methods.
An ideal day out for craft beer and ale enthusiasts and aspiring home brewers. Perhaps not one for the kids unless you fancy an ‘interesting’ car journey home.
Laois – Bug Hotel Build and Bug Hunt (Emo Court, Today, 11am–2pm, free)
Heritage Week isn’t all about archaeology and history, but also includes lots of great events and demonstrations about Ireland’s natural heritage. On Saturday afternoon in the lovely grounds of Emo Court, you can help to build a bug hotel to give all the local creepy crawlies a permanent home. Organised by the Irish Wildlife Trust.
Offaly – Battle of Giants (Lough Boora Discovery Park, Sunday 12–5pm, free)
This Heritage Week, Lough Boora Discovery Park becomes the spectacular backdrop for a fun family day out on Sunday 24 August. Legend would have it that Fionn MacCumhaill once went into battle with the Scottish giant Angus. Lough Boora Discovery Park will host its own Battle of Giants where little ones can play their part in the re-enactment of the legendary battle.
The event, in association with Barretstown, is open to all and with a host of activities planned to suit all ages, it looks to be a fun way to kick off National Heritage Week.
Attendees can also expect to enjoy interactive workshops, a Kids Zone, Zorbing and archery for older kids, and encouraged to make the most of the various nature and bike trails onsite as well as the newly-opened Lough Boora Discovery Park Visitor Centre.
Offaly – Clonmacnoise Summer School (Cluain Ciarán, today 10am – 5.30pm and tomorrow 9.45am – 1.15pm. See here for details, there is a fee)
The Clonmacnoise Summer School features a series of lectures and talks about the history, archaeology and legacy of the great monastery of Clonmacnoise. Speakers include Ray Simpson, archaeologist Heather King, Sean McDonagh and myself. Includes music by Noel Carberry.
Tomorrow features a guided tour of Athlone Castle followed by a return trip down the Shannon in a Viking ship. Booking essential, please contact elyhouse@eircom.net and the fee for the day is €35.
Kildare – Historical Walking Tour of Kildare Town (Kildare Town Heritage Centre, daily, for times and fees, please see here)
Discover the story of one of Ireland’s most historical towns with a guided walk through Kildare town, stopping at St Brigid’s Cathedral, the castle, and much more. For the more adventurous you can enjoy a rare opportunity to climb to the top of the round tower!
Connacht
Mayo – Family fun day at the bog (Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre, Westport, tomorrow noon-4pm, free)
Another great way for the kids to get hands on with nature, as they can go pond-dipping, mini-beast hunting and wildlife watching with the Education Guides.
Galway – Family fun day (Aughnanure Castle, Oughterard, tomorrow, 1-5pm, free)
Displays and exhibitions including traditional music and dancing.
Roscommon – Guided talk at Roscommon Abbey (Tomorrow, 2–4pm, free)
A guided talk about the fascinating history of Roscommon Abbey followed by a stroll through the town including stops like St Coman’s Cemetery and the always impressive Roscommon Castle.
Sligo – Electric Abbey (Sligo Abbey, tomorrow 3-4.15pm, free)
If you fancy a bit of music there is a chance to catch Electric Sibin, one of the north-west’s most original acts in the wonderful setting of Sligo Abbey.
Ulster
Cavan – WWI Trench Experience (Cavan County Museum, tomorrow 2–6pm, free)
Visitors will have an opportunity to experience life as it was in the trenches for soldiers during WWI.
This is a great experience for both children and adults, those with a keen interest in World War I history or anybody who would like to learn more about Ireland’s involvement in the ‘war to end all wars’.
Donegal – Family fun fay (Donegal Castle, tomorrow 10-4.30pm, free)
Open day at the castle, where you can enjoy free guided tours, demonstrations and exhibitions of arts and crafts.
Fermanagh – Rock Detective Club (Marble Arch Visitor Centre, Enniskillen, tomorrow, 11am–4pm, free admission but booking required)
A fun treasure hunt/orienteering course with a difference as you can explore the family tree of plants dating back over 340 million years. You’ll also get the chance to learn about some of the geology of the Cladagh Glen and discover why this area is just like one big leaky plumbing system!
Please note that booking is required at this free event, so contact the Border Uplands Project on 028 66348855 to reserve your place.
Munster
Kerry – Whale Watch Ireland 2014 (Bray Head and Clogher Head, tomorrow 2–5pm, free)
Join the experts of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group for an informative land-based guided whale watch. Be sure to bring your own binoculars! See www.iwdg.ie for more information.
Waterford – Road Bowling (Fenor Village, Co Waterford, tomorrow, 11.30am-13.30pm free admission but booking required)
Try your hand at the heritage sport of road bowling: guides will take you along the approximately one-mile course of the Waterford countryside. Please note that booking is required, so please contact the organiser – Copper Coast Road Bowling Tuition, 089 438204
Cork – Earl of Desmond Treasure Trail (Desmond Castle/French Prison, Cork, tomorrow from 2.30-3pm or 4-4.30pm, free admission but booking required)
The Earl of Desmond’s tax is missing! Get clues to help the merchant find the missing money and return it to Maurice. Suitable for children aged 8 -12 years but they must be accompanied by an adult. Please note you must reserve your place by contacting desmondcastle@opw.ie, or calling 021 4774855.
Clare – Open Day at Loop Head Light-Keeper’s House (Loop Head, tomorrow, 10am–4pm, free)
Enjoy a self-guided tour of this restored nineteenth century lightkeeper’s house, to see the conservation work by the Irish Landmark Trust.
Clare – Mini Beast Hunt, (Burren National Park, Clare, today, 10.30am–12.30pm, free admission but booking required)
Be a nature detective and join in a hunt for insects amongst the meadows and woodlands of the Burren National Park. Suitable for children aged 4-10. Please note that booking is required for this event so contact burrennationalpark@ahg.gov.ie, 065 68277693.
Tipperary – Storytime for Children (Ormond Castle, Carrick-on-Suir, today, 3-4pm, free)
Hear tales of Irish legends, myths and folklore with Mary Hickey. For children aged 5–10 years.
Do any of the events catch your eye? Let us know your suggestions for things to do during Heritage Week.
You can discover more great heritage sites and places on Neil’s blog, Time Travel Ireland.
Neil has also produced an acclaimed series of audioguides to Ireland’s heritage sites, they are packed with original music and sound effects and a really fun and immersive way of exploring Ireland’s past. They are available from abartaheritage.ie.
If you’d like to receive daily updates about great heritage sites then please consider following us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
All photographs © Neil Jackman /abartaheritage.ie
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If they choose not to die (if ever they have that option ) terminally ill patients should get medical cards – no question. Several terminal diseases are not considered including Motor Neurone Disease. I had a maternal aunt and have a paternal uncle both diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Each had to really fight to get medical cards; prescriptions to slow the disease are extremely expensive and there is lots of follow-up GP & nursing care needed. If it wasn’t for the exceptional work and support of IMND charity our family have been quite alone & badly unsupported.
Why! If you have a terminal illness and have money why should someone else pay for your care? You won’t need the money when your gone, your just leaving a bigger win fall for relatives. The medical card is based on financial need not medical need, meaning those with one couldn’t afford to care for themselves out of their own means, It not meant for those who just don’t want to pay in various stages of expensive illnesses.Only when reasonable financial means are used up should medical card be granted. Not matter how expensive drugs are they won’t cost a family more then 144 a month.
You’re one nasty, cold-hearted bast*rd
I already answered this in my original post – not everyone who has a terminal illness would or should choose to die by assistance. That’s a massive decision for someone already dying to face & make. Crucially, it is the patient’s choice entirely; not yours to force it and certainly not society’s to make them. The fundamental argument in this issue is choice.
To be honest i agree familys who are well off should not get a medical card they already have the money to pay for meds. On the other hand a family who have not got a pot to piss in should get one.
Aoife why is it cold heart to have someone pay for part of their already heavily subsidized care. It’s the hospices that have to beg for funding every year for people to die with dignity, that were funding should be channeled to. I don’t see why relatively wealthy individuals should have to pay nothing towards their care for the sole purpose of leaving a larger estate to their next of kin. It’s quite disgusting actually.
Tom let me explain why it’s better to just cover everyone and this same logic is why I beleive in free college fees
If we do means tests not only are we punishing people who work by taking services off them that they have started to pay for with more taxes but there is another reason, it’s way more efficent to cover everyone than to try to sloppily ‘target’ them with means tests.
Means tests leave a huge amount of people out who are not well off enough to self fund but not poor enough to meet the means test, the MT is ALWAYS set too low ALWAYS.
Whereas if you cover everyone then the wealthy are paying back theirs with their higher tax rates without any middle group squeezed out, win win win.
@Smidgen Dublin, what do you mean by “choosing to die by assistance”? We’re talking about end of life care here not assisted suicide.
What money Joe. What windfall? The average worker has no spare money. Little savings, if they are lucky. So because they worked all their lives they should die with the worry of their bills hanging over their heads. Jesus, is there nothing we as a nation won’t moan about.
If someone is dying give them a fcuking medical card. Let them at least die with the relief of knowing their family won’t be up sh*ts creek after they’re gone. If you’re on the dole you get a medical card, if you are just breaking even you get nothing but a load of bills to leave behind.
Ryan, Young healthy middle classes will fund your system, while people may be happy to help those most in need I don’t think the working age population could hack paying free health care for everyone. People pay VHI etc to skip the queue, under your system their paying more tax to crazily make the queue even longer.
@Michelle, if you die and have no money (A) you should already have a medical card(B) Debts die with you, you can’t get blood from a stone.
I hate when wealthy individuals start playing the poor mouth. You can have 36k/72k couple in savings and still get a medical card. The working class have a hard enough looking after themselves never mind extending the medical card for the well off.
Ah Joe, come on. It is very easy to die in this country and leave a lot of debts for your family.
Not being able to work while being treated for a terminal illness leaves the surviving partner in a mess. Bills creep up during the final months. A medical card would alleviate some of the worry. I’m not talking about wealthy people. I’m talking about the average person on an average salary. The majority of people don’t have critical illness cover. When you have a two person household paying a mortgage and bills that suddenly turns into a one salary, one terminally ill adult, the bills creep up very quickly and a medical card is not a guarantee. Yet if the two adults are on the dole they automatically get a medical card. Once again those just holding their heads above water get no life line. A medical card is like gold to the family of a terminally ill person.
Michelle, People “breaking even” should of course be entitled to a medical card but the proposal wasn’t even to increase the means test to take account of the non medical costs of those in serious illnesses, it was regardless of means people would be automatically entitled to a medical card thus making zero contribution to their expensive care. Funding free health to the wealthy means less money to help those who are perhaps in greater need and more tax for the rest. It’s all very well saying free this and free that but someone has to pay for it (potentially the less well of).
You are one absolute sc**bag posting a comment like that! Seriously these people are suffering and your suggesting kicking them while there down? Cop on. Of course they deserve one! They deserve all the help that can be given to them. And about their own money? They may be young and have kids that will need that money.. Did u think of that?
NO NO NO NO NO….NO! No! For Gods sake…
Can we just end this farce once and for all? Forget about this nonsense of insurance company middle men etc, just have a flat rate charge per year per person and after that we all get a card and EVERYTHING is covered instead of this universal insurance thing where we fart around with excesses and deductibles and means tests and this is allowable income and this is not and you’re 6 euro over and all that BO**OX!
Single payer models like Medicare Canada are FAR more efficient than this dutch model, that is a simple undeniable scientific fact.
I personally already think these means tests PUNISH people for working..whats the ONE group of Irish society that pays for EVERYTHING and yet gets NONE of the stuff they pay for virtually? The middle class worker…why should they TAKE a card from you the second you start contributing to society to pay for it? Thats lunacy no other EU15 country does it that way.
If we carve it up on things like fatal illness it’s just going to result in farce. The HSE already tried something like this last year, I’ve got an illness that may or may not be fatal depending on various permutations. I had the card initially based on illness and discretion rather than income. One day it was pulled, and when I called up they said discretionary cards based on illness were in future probably only going to be for fatal ilness.
Oncologist John Crown was on the radio pretty fast to explain why that is a moronic policy. Cancer is not the death sentence is once was, someone can survive with it for 10 years and may still die..or recover fully..it depends on the case, there are an infinite number of possible permutations of circumstance, side effects, stages…it can go any which way.
Thats just cancer, there is in many cases no way to tell if someones illness wil be fatal or not.
This is lunacy…can we end this NONSENSE please once and for all and just agree on a simple system where you pay X fee and get everything covered?
Ryan it would be great if everyone could have cover and take cost out of the equation. This is universal health cover. Would you be prepared to pay up to 40% of your wages each month to find this kind of care ? Countries that have UHC have excellent services but it costs. Nothing is free no matter how hard the government want to spin it
Fund*
It depends on what model you choose and how you do it.
We can have simple direct tax funded like Canada that does not mean paying any premium, were probably not able to do it that way without tax increases though, universal care would cost around an extra 4b so that’s why I say a direct charge.
I don’t accept it would take 40% of my wages.
Before doing it, I’d try go for a tallaght strategy on health, get all party agreement on eliminating the waste and staff duplication and red tape in the HSE first
Minister for waste needed. There are 40 thousand managers in the HSE for starters.
They should also have the right to euthanasia if they wish…….. this nanny state even wishes to dictate how you die… SHAME on Ireland
Medical cards and the right to die !
Screw medical cards, people with terminal illnesses should automatically receive the right to die!
Oh no no..personal sovereignty? No no we can’t have that nanny Irish state has to put you in prison for your own good if you take THIS drug instead of THAT drug, nanny Irish state cares about you so much that it will lock you up to protect you from yourself…just not enough to give you control over your own life because God does not want it that way…or so they suppose, they don’t really know afterall what God wants even if there is one, they’re just blindly guessing, and while they drop to their knees slapping themselves in the head screaming ”what does the skygod want?? did you send us a storm because you were upset with us skygod?” people are dying in agony when we have the means to allow them to die peacefully in their sleep.
I’m surprised they didn’t automatically receive medical cards.. Shameful!
Rory it may have escape you but death is an inevitable consequence of a terminal illness
Of course they should have medical cards , everyone should have the right to any medicine , equipment or hospice treatment they need to make them comfortable
About 6 weeks before my terminally ill wife died of cancer she broke her leg. She required a special bed with an inflatable mattress in this time and the easiest way to one was to apply for a special medical card.
The application, which is not means-tested was denied.
That’s an easy one Leo. Go for it.
Of course they should get free medical care. It makes me furious to think that people who have worked and contributed to the national coffers all their lives should be expected to continue to pay, even when they are dying. Those who have paid little or nothing in their lifetime can get free nursing home care plus free medicines. Are people to be punished for actually having supported the national economy?
When you work in the HSE with people needing end of life care or those with a life limiting illness – a medical card is more then medicines being paid for. Many items e.g. Dressings are not covered in the dps and often items are not covered in the gms. We as professionals end up using “hardship” scheme… I costed care for a patient before needing certain items it was x thousand per month.. No medical card. Dps covered y amount but the rest had to be paid for – this was a few hundred a month.. We shouldn’t need to do this to people. People don’t need this stress.
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