Heritage Week opens doors all over country

FROM whale-watching to historical re-enactments and from nighttime bat walks to lectures in stately homes, an impressive 1,000 events will take place across the country for Heritage Week, which will see a large number of historic buildings throw open their doors to the public, many for the first time.

The seven-day event, which celebrates Irish heritage, culture, history, flora and fauna, kicked off with an official opening at Kilkenny Castle yesterday by Minister of State Michael Kitt TD.

In Dublin highlights include themed medieval tours from St Audeon Church in Dublin’s Cornmarket and a food tour, ‘The Story of Irish Food,’ which leaves from Trinity College.

Meanwhile, on August 30, Merrion Square open day will see Georgian properties on the celebrated square open to the public, including 29 Fitzwilliam St, Lr Georgian House Museum and The St Stephen’s Green Pepper Canister Church on Mount Street Upper, while a walking tour of the square with an art historian from UCD will begin at 10am.

Other highlights include guided tours of Dublinia and The Viking World, the National Gallery and the Chester Beatty Library.

In Cork city, Heritage Open Day on August 30 will see more than 30 buildings open their doors to the public.

They include the Beamish & Crawford Brewery on South Main Street, Washington Street Courthouse, the home of celebrated Cork artist, Maude Cotter on Cathedral Avenue, and the Masonic Lodge on Tuckey Street.

“There’s a huge range of fascinating buildings throughout the city and it appeals to the inherent nosiness of people. They want to see what’s inside,” said Niamh Twomey of Cork City Council.

Other events organised in Cork include a bat walk at the Lough in Cork city and mining history tour at Allihies Mine Museum, Beara, Co Cork.

A series about Spike Island will take place at the Commodore Hotel, Cobh.

* For further information of events taking place visit www.heritageweek.ie or callsave: 1850 200 878

Events taking place in Cork and Kerry for Heritage Week August 24 – 31

* Military re-enactments at Charles Fort, Kinsale, Co Cork, August 30 and 31, 10am – 5pm.

* Storytelling at Charles Fort on August 31 at 1pm and 3pm.

* Cooking in the past with food historian Regina Sexton at Fota House, Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork. August 30, 11-2pm.

* Historic walking tours of Cork city, including historic streets and waterways from outside Cork Tourist Office, Grand Parade. August 25 – 29, departs at 10 am, 2pm and 4pm.

* Irish Harp Playing by Ruth McDonnell Hayes at Kerry County Museum, Tralee, August 31, 12.00 – 4pm.

* Guided tours of Ardfert Cathedral, Tralee. Co. Kerry. August 31, 10 – 5pm

* Guided safari bus tour of Millstreet County Park. Co. Cork August 24 – 31, 2pm.

* Theatre by the Lake — production of The Tailor and Ansty at Gougane Barra Hotel, Gougane Barra, August 24 – 31, 8.30pm.

* Blasket Island: Outing and lecture on The Great Blasket covering its heritage of literature, archaeology and culture. Departs Dunchaoin Pier, Co. Kerry at 10am on August 31.