Cork town recreates medieval life

The sights, smells, and sounds of medieval Ireland will be recreated on the grounds of a north Cork castle this weekend as part of the second annual Buttevant Walled Towns Day.

Members of Kilmallock Medieval Combat Society and Bran Dubh will re-enact a medieval combat just after 12pm on Sunday at Buttevant Castle.

An archer will be onsite giving demonstrations of how to use an authentic longbow.

Leatherworkers on the grounds will also show how clothes were made, while stonemasons, thatchers, and blacksmiths will demonstrate how houses were built and horses shod.

Throughout the day, a country market will display local food and medieval wares while 13th century music, song, and dance will be provided by the Medieval and Cahermee Singers.

The event is organised by the local community and sponsored by the Heritage Council through the Irish Walled Towns Network.

“There will be plenty for children to do, including a treasure hunt, skittles, and face-painting,” said a Heritage Council spokeswoman. “There will also be an opportunity for children to take part in a medieval battle at 2.45pm. A more sedate activity is the puppet show which will tell the story of the town’s past.”

The day ends with the recreation of the final leg of the world’s first steeplechase and “Medieval Buttevant’s Got Talent” show. On Saturday, Viscount and Lady Buttevant 2012 will be selected through a series of fun medieval-style games on the grounds of the castle.

Entry forms for the Viscount and Lady Competition are being distributed to the towns businesses, clubs and organisations in north cork.

Buttevant Castle was built around 1,200BC by the Barry Clan. There are six castles or towers in the parish but no more were built after 1650 when Cromwell demonstrated the power of the cannon in reducing castles to rubble. Buttevant Castle was renovated around 1830.