Celebrate Irish heritage by attending and participating in these National Heritage Week Events
National Heritage Week is an initiative by the Heritage Council that celebrates all aspects of Irish heritage. This week brings together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions and more.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, much of this year's events can be participated in virtually. However, some events are being hosted in person while adhering to the regulations.
Here are some of our favourite National Heritage Week events, some of which feature East Clare and others showcase Ireland's heritage.
Ongoing
These events can be participated in for the duration of Heritage Week. These feature online events and those that can be attended at any point in person.
The Needlework of St Flannan's Cathedral
The beautiful St Flannan's Cathedral is home to a magnificent collection of needlework creations. As part of National Heritage Week 2021, St Flannan's Cathedral set out to photograph each piece of needlework and associated these works with their creators. This is an informative and beautiful piece.
A Light from the Shannon
This short documentary highlights the incredible heritage of the ESB hydroelectric power station at Ardnacrusha. As well as learning about the incredible story and history of this impressive place, you will learn about the mighty River Shannon.
Clare Holy Wells Project
This online resource, created by The Clare Holy Wells Project, aims to create awareness for the many holy wells dotted across County Clare. In addition, this resource provides information about the holy wells that have been surveyed to date across the county.
Learn about the traditions associated with the wells and read historical accounts relating to the ancient customs at each site.
This ongoing project will continue to expand its resources as more entries are added over the coming weeks and months.
Check out the Clare Holy Wells Project here. This resource will go fully live from August 19th.
Historical Treasures Found in Quin and Surrounding Areas
The village of Quin is renowned for its rich history and heritage. The newly formed Quin Heritage Group comprises two local historians and individuals who have a strong interest in the area's rich history. Holding weekly meetings, this group is fast becoming an important resource.
Since founding this group, they have created a beautiful video documenting the story of Quin through the ages.
Mapping Clare — 500 Years in 50 Maps
In association with Clare's Heritage and Historical Societies and Clare County Council, Pat Reid has created a short video showing how County Clare's maps have changed over the years. Learn how towns grew, names changed, and villages disappeared.
Peter Lacey Photography Exhibition
Peter Lacey is somewhat of a legend in the town of Killaloe, having taught many of the local children how to swim in the 50s. As well as this, Peter Lacey was an avid photographer.
The Killaloe Ballina Local History Society received a donation of some of Peter Lacey's negatives which have since been developed into an accessible exhibition for all to enjoy. On display at Pier Head, Killaloe, this exhibition highlights this well-loved man.
Access and Interpretation at Limekiln, Tuamgraney
The Tuamgreny Development Association have completed significant conservation work at the lime kiln in Tuamgranye over the last 18 months. Restoration includes repairing the walls, rebuilding the kiln pot, and installing a new mesh cover so that the lime pot can be viewed safely by visitors.
A new interpretive panel is set to be installed at the site, providing information on this magnificent site.
Monday, August 16th
Protecting Biodiversity of the Lough Grainey Valley
The community organisation of Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary are hosting an online talk where attendees can learn about the organisation's work and ongoing projects.
Learn all about the heritage of the Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary, bat surveys and a river survey at this online talk.
Taking place between 3:30pm and 4:30pm, those interested in attending should email marina@loughgrainey.org
Tuesday, August 17th
Tour of Holy Island
For just €40 you get to experience the history of Holy Island while being guided by the knowledgable Ger Madden, followed by lunch at Flanagan's in Killaloe. Pick up and drop off is outside The Ring of Lough Derg Tourist Office, Killaloe.
Call 0851086497 to book your spot
Wednesday, August 18th
Demonstration and Talk on the Art of Wool Spinning in Craggaunowen
Join Craggaunowen's animator Geraldine as she discusses and performs the ancient Irish craft of wool spinning on a traditional spindle. This craft has been practised for over 6,000 years having first been introduced by Neolithic farmers.
Taking place at 12pm please contact Shannon Heritage to register for this event. Phone: 061 711222
Caring for your family photo albums
Protect and preserve your own family history with this informative online workshop hosted by Tanya Kiang and Trish Lambe, Co-Directors of Gallery of Photography Ireland.
Learn how to care for your photographs, negatives, and slides; safe ways to store and display them, and options available for restoring & repairing damaged photographs.
Happening at 2pm, click here for the direct link on Zoom.
Thursday, August 19th
Tour of Holy Island
For just €40 you get to experience the history of Holy Island while being guided by the knowledgable Ger Madden, followed by lunch at Flanagan's in Killaloe. Pick up and drop off is outside The Ring of Lough Derg Tourist Office, Killaloe.
Call 0851086497 to book your spot
Demonstration and Talk on the Art of Wool Spinning in Craggaunowen
Join Craggaunowen's animator Geraldine as she discusses and performs the ancient Irish craft of wool spinning on a traditional spindle. This craft has been practised for over 6,000 years having first been introduced by Neolithic farmers.
Taking place at 12pm please contact Shannon Heritage to register for this event. Phone: 061 711222
A history of the Irish language
Discover the history of the Irish language with an online talk Patricia Fogarty. Learn about Ogham, old Irish and modern day Irish at this intriguing and interesting talk.
This talk will take place between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. This is a free event, although tickets must be booked in advance so that a Zoom code can be sent to attendees. Register here.
Ask a Geologist
The Irish Geologist Association are hosting an online event at 7pm on Thursday where they will answer pre-submitted questions about the lanscape, specific rock samples and the geological history of Ireland.
To register and to submit questions click here.
Biodiversity Around Our Waterways
With plenty of lakes and waterways dotted across East Clare, this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn about the biodiversity surrounding them. Hosted by Leif Barry, an environmental scientist from the Burren.
Gain the skills necessary to identify species, as well as how to become a citizen scientist.
Taking place at 7pm, this online event needs to be registered for in advance. To register, email info@theorganiccentre.ie
Friday, August 20th
Demonstration and Talk on the Art of Wool Spinning in Craggaunowen
Join Craggaunowen's animator Geraldine as she discusses and performs the ancient Irish craft of wool spinning on a traditional spindle. This craft has been practised for over 6,000 years having first been introduced by Neolithic farmers.
Taking place at 12pm please contact Shannon Heritage to register for this event. Phone: 061 711222
Saturday, August 21st
Tales of Irish Mythology
Join Craggaunowen's costumed character, Stefan, as he delves into Irish Mythology and enthrals you with tales of Ireland that have been preserved in the oral tradition and later transcribed in the manuscripts of early Celtic Christianity.
Taking place at 12pm, please contact Shannon Heritage to register for this event. Phone: 061 711222
The Origins of Wool Dying
Join Annika at Craggaunowen as she showcases and discusses the origins and the art of the ancient practice of wool dying. Join Annika as she practices and discusses this ancient custom.
Taking place at 3pm, please contact Shannon Heritage to register for this event. Phone: 061 711222
Sunday, 22nd August
Clondorney Lake Family Fun Day
The Clondorney Lake Family Fun Day is taking place on Sunday, 22nd August at 2pm. Marking the official launch of the partnership between great local organisations and groups, this informative yet fun day out is not to be missed!
This co-hosted event with the Local Authority Waters Programme marks the official launch of the wonderful partnership between Tulla Scouts, Tulla Tidy Towns Committee, Clare Walks Ltd and the Tulla and District Angling Club.
This Family Fun Day will include a range of stands including pond dipping, Leave No Trace, plant identification, foraging, introduction to fishing and more. Enjoy hot dogs, refreshments and smores at this family fun day.
The event is free of charge and open to all to enjoy and attend.
The Origins of Wool Dying
Join Annika at Craggaunowen as she showcases and discusses the origins and the art of the ancient practice of wool dying. Join Annika as she practices and discusses this ancient custom.
Taking place at 3pm, please contact Shannon Heritage to register for this event. Phone: 061 711222
Tales of Irish Mythology
Join Craggaunowen's costumed character, Stefan, as he delves into Irish Mythology and enthrals you with tales of Ireland that have been preserved in the oral tradition and later transcribed in the manuscripts of early Celtic Christianity.
Taking place at 12pm, please contact Shannon Heritage to register for this event. Phone: 061 711222
This is just a very small sample of the events taking place for National Heritage Week 2021. To view the compelte list of events go to the National Heritage Week website.
