Vintage View: National Heritage Week 2018

Kya deLongchamps says jump into National Heritage Week this August 18-26 and make your own personal connection to the past.

THE theme for National Heritage Week 2018 is ‘Make a Connection’ and this year the collective effort aims to deepen the connection between people and heritage, and build a legacy of increased public engagement (heritageweek.ie).

This is a fascinating invitation, prompting us to step towards a genuine meeting with thriving elements of our culture and shy traces of our past, both visible and all too often (even with our built heritage) completely invisible. Oh, and as always, Heritage Week is in large part designed to be deeply interesting, intergenerational and laugh-out-loud fun.

Connection requires something of us to make that relationship with everything from a ragged, castle keep, to the love of the traveller for their cobs or maybe the dense language in an old song.

It’s up to us to strive for a deeply human attachment to silent stones, old half revealed stories and lively traditions. These people, places, activities, evidence and indicators can lead us to a deeper understanding of who we once were, who we are now and what deserves to be treasured and protected by our communities in the future.

This is by no means just rarefied history outings designated for bespectacled geeks such as me. If you’ve never done a city heritage walk of 18th-century city life, or looked for the haunt of an Irish owl – trust me you and yours are the key audience for these events. Jump up and jump in.

Take a look at the itinerary, book in the coming two weeks to avoid nerve mincing disappointment, fuel up the jalopy and slap sunscreen on the kids — we’re going for the trip of our collective lifetimes.

Heritage Week involves walking, talking, listening, watching, elasticising the imagination, making and doing.

The only irritant is deciding on what to include over the seven days. I would suggest mixing up local happenings with longer trips to reach beyond your immediate area, another thread in this year’s plans, which ask us to extend our view and look out to Europe as Ireland stars in European Week of Cultural Heritage.

Do check the age suitability to head off teenage groans and toddler tantrums and keep in mind that many but not all events are wheelchair friendly (this detail will be indicated in the online program. If in doubt call ahead). Some events are free, others require a small spend to be more actively involved. Some are two-hour bites, others could be dovetailed to other events or used to tailor a whole day or a weekend away.

The Ellen Hutchins Festival marks the continuing effort to raise the profile of a groundbreaking female botanist quietly at work in 19th century West Cork. At 2.30pm Anne Secord, researcher on the history of science and Carrie O’Flynn, will talk about Hutchin’s work in costume.

You can also enjoy the Whiddy Island Seaweed Event (seaweed hunting and feasting is so of the moment in foraging circles).

To get there: ferries leave Bantry’s Railway Pier at 1pm and 2pm, returning 4.15pm & 5.45pm, €6.50 return. Best for the over 12s.

While immersed in the wonder of the area, take a guided tour of the natural history and environment on a 1km walk, The Ewe Trail (N71, near Glengarriff) which is studded with detailed information boards, art installations, games and a poetry trail.

For a larger family, the €25 admission offers great value for the whole of Heritage Week.

A short trip from Cork city, there’s something to engage the natural builder, with Clay Day, which explores modern cob building.

If you’re into the sustainable arts of lime plaster, green flooring and mineral paints – unmissable.

The Hollies Centre for Practical Sustainability, Enniskeane, 2-4pm, 26th August. Entry free, but do book ahead.

Also on this busy Sunday, what about a picnic in the now sylvan and nostalgic surrounds of Beaumont Quarry (Ballinlough). Revived by the work of the Cork Nature Network & Cork City Council, the event in the former quarry features food, music, children’s activities and tours.

11.30-3.30pm, free for all, with no need to book.

Pleasing the scratchers? What kid could resist a medieval battle re-enactment where they get to arm up and go on the attack?

Viking Heritage Day at Woodstown on the Waterford Greenway sees the invasion of our shores by slathering, vicious Viking warriors from Ireland, Denmark and the United Kingdom.

Experience archery, combat, guided walks on Viking Woodstown and a look at the wildlife around the area of the beautiful and popular Waterford Greenaway.

26th August 11am-4pm, admission free.

Further afield and scaling the Wild Atlantic Way north west to County Mayo, Achill Yawl Heritage Day offers the chance to not only watch the spectacle of a whole fleet of these magnificent traditional boats from the shore but to cut through the water on an unforgettable summer’s evening.

Achill Sound, €5 for 12-18 year olds, €10 per adults, 26th August 5-9pm.

Back in Cobh, a place dripping in history resuscitated year round, youngsters can enjoy a Mini Beasty Hunt in Marlogue Woods.

This is a brilliant moment to kick off an interest in catching, study and safe release children can take back to the garden and schools, lead by Niamh O’Flynn Animal Scientist (Bsc) and Wildlife Educator.

18th August 2-4pm. Under 12s, booking advised.

Heritage Week is a delicious, chocolate box of events, talks, and live action happenings covering so many areas of interest. Scroll through the hundreds of possibilities for yourself at heritageweek.ie and get organised for an unforgettable end to the summer.