Heritage Week 2011 commences on Saturday 20th August and runs until Sunday 28th August.
This year is packed full of exciting events all across the county, all of which celebrate Kildare’s rich and varied heritage. Heritage Week is part of a European Wide initiative with the express aims of fostering awareness of Ireland’s built, natural and cultural heritage, thereby encouraging its conservation and preservation and increasing interest in our shared heritage.
“The wide range of heritage events organised primarily by community groups and local history groups across the county demonstrates a great pride and growing awareness of Kildare’s heritage” said Bridget Loughlin, County Kildare Heritage Officer. Events include; An Archaeology Tour of the Little Curragh, Family Fun Day at Maynooth Castle, Guided Tour of Kildrought House, The Church of the Oak – Slideshow of photographs of Kildare Town, Bog of Allen Nature Centre Open Day and Straffan Butterfly Farm.
There are a number of events in Castletown including a Country Market, Sunday Summer Series, Evening Tours, Forgotten Voices – the Great Irish Famine revealed through the Strokestown Estate Archive.
A number of child friendly events are being held through out the county including
Children’s Art Workshops in Castletown House, Traditional Tales, Children’s Heritage Hunt, Sow and Grow.
Many local libraries will be hosting events such as Naas – Exhibition: Who do you think you are?; Clane – An illustrated tale on Clongowes Wood College and Local Connections; Leixlip – Tales of Leixlip in the 1950’s an illustrated talk; Celbridge – Historical Talk; Kildare – Shackleton Lecture
Many local history groups will be hosting events such as a Guided Bus Tour of the Rathcoffey Area (Rathcoffey Group) and The Fitzgerald Walk (Maynooth Group). The Landmark Trust will host an open day at the Round House and Batty Langley Lodge at Castletown, Celbridge.
Heritage sites within the county, such as the Athy and Kildare Heritage Centre, The National Stud and Maynooth Castle have free admission or special concessions during the week.
To celebrate heritage Week 2011 the Heritage Council is inviting participants to take place in two national events, National Heritage Week Photography Competition and National ‘Tell Tale’ storytelling Competition. Details of how to enter both competitions can be obtained from the Heritage Week website details below.
Kildare County Council has compiled a listing of these and the many other events happening around the County. These are available at http://kildare.ie/events/typedetails.asp?EventID=5000 and in all local libraries. To view a listing of Heritage Week events in other counties please go to www.heritageweek.ie or call 1850 200 978.