Latest news with #HeritageWeek2025
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- RTÉ News
Free entry to over 70 OPW sites as heritage week begins
Admission to over 70 OPW heritage sites will be free to the public tomorrow to mark the beginning of National Heritage Week. Sites include Doneraile Court and Estate, The Rock of Cashel, the Glendalough and Clonmacnoise monastic sites. Also included are visitor centres at Portumna Castle and Gardens, Sligo Abbey, Donegal Castle, Charles Fort, Ennis Friary and Ionad an Bhlascaoid - the Blasket Centre. Irish language tours will be available at many of the sites throughout Heritage Week 2025 which runs from tomorrow until Sunday, 24 August. Organised by the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week has become one of the country's largest cultural celebrations with almost 2,400 events taking place during the week.
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
How Heritage Week unites Ireland with community, culture, and history
ASK anyone involved in tourism, hospitality, and heritage-driven sectors and they'll agree — National Heritage Week connects us to our community, past as well as present. This year's celebration is particularly significant — it marks 30 years since the establishment of the government organisation the Heritage Council, and two decades since the latter took responsibility for coordinating the seven-day jamboree. 'National Heritage Week is a special time to reflect on the many layers of Kerry's past and how they continue to shape our communities,' according to Kerry County Council heritage officer Victoria McCarthy. 'Across the county [and Ireland], this year's programme invites us to explore our shared foundations from archaeological digs and bogland traditions to local music, craft, creative writing and storytelling. Whether you're celebrating 100 years of hurling in North Kerry, walking the grounds of a historic estate in Killorglin, or joining a harp session in Finuge, these events are about more than history; they're about connection and pride in our community.' A specially curated tour will take place at Ross Castle, Killarney, Co Kerry, as part of Heritage Week, The chief executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan, is of the same opinion, as she describes our heritage as 'a precious connection with where we live, and with each other'. 'Our heritage is something that we share with our ancestors as well as future generations,' she says. 'It's what makes us special, and it's also something that is evolving all the time, as Ireland is.' So, there's no excuse not to get out there and join in the fun as it begins today, Saturday, August 16, and continues until Sunday, August 24. 'From coastal walks and wildlife surveys to folklore-inspired illustration workshops and community archaeology talks, there are opportunities for all ages to take part,' adds Victoria McCarthy. 'I encourage everyone to join in, learn something new, and celebrate the people, stories, and landscapes that make Kerry's heritage so rich and unique.' Let's explore The theme of Heritage Week 2025 is Exploring Our Foundations, inviting us to delve into the building blocks of our heritage — from structures to landscapes and cultural activities. There's something for everyone, in every county across the island of Ireland, with events spanning built, cultural and natural heritage, many of them free to attend and suitable for all ages. Organisers expect a record number of gatherings this year, with more than 400,000 attendees expected across the island of Ireland. Charles Fort, Cork. When the initiative began in 2005, there were 260 events, and last year, more than 2,300 were staged. Awareness about the importance of protecting heritage has increased significantly during this time, with research commissioned by the Heritage Council showing an increase from 46% in 1999 to 68% in 2023. The heritage sector is worth an estimated €4.6 billion to the economy every year and supports 62,000 jobs, according to a study commissioned by the Heritage Council in the past year. Open doors Head for Cork city and its beloved Heritage Open Doors is celebrating its milestone two-decade birthday this year as part of National Heritage Week, giving people a rare opportunity to access buildings not normally open to the public — from courthouses to masonic lodges. So popular has it become, with over 40 local landmark buildings taking part and thousands enjoying the chance to have a prowl around them, that Heritage Open Doors has been extended beyond Cork and across the island of Ireland this year for the first time. City Assembly House in Dublin will host free daily tours during National Heritage Week. Pictured is Jack O'Leary, Fragarach Medieval Armoured Combat Ireland. Picture: Marc O'Sullivan Which means today, Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, we'll have a rare opportunity to slip inside buildings not normally open to the public, including private homes, civic and public buildings, including courthouses, religious buildings and commercial buildings for a good old snoop. Other events in Cork range from seaweed-pressing workshops and basket-making demonstrations to the Bandon Walled Town Festival. 'From archaeological illustration to the hidden fossil treasures beneath our feet, there are countless opportunities to connect with the stories that have shaped our city,' says Cork City Council heritage officer Niamh Twomey. 'Whether you're singing along to timeless ballads or learning about the vital role of insects in our ecosystem, Heritage Week invites everyone to discover, reflect, and celebrate. We encourage people of all ages to get involved and enjoy the richness of Cork's living heritage.' The week is 'a powerful celebration of our natural, cultural, and built heritage', according to Cork County Council heritage officer Conor Nelligan, who also believes it 'beautifully reflects the diversity and creativity of our communities': 'Festivals like the Bandon Walled Town Festival offer a colourful and immersive look at our historic towns, while nature walks, biodiversity talks, and artistic demonstrations connect us more deeply to our environment. 'Whether you're exploring holy wells in West Cork or discovering the elusive lesser horseshoe bat, Heritage Week is about coming together to honour the stories, skills, and places that make Cork County truly unique. I invite everyone to take part in this rich and varied celebration of who we are and where we've come from.' Visit rel="noopener noreferrer"> and for a full list of 2025 events
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Ballymote, Gurteen and Merville
Heritage Week 2025 Ballymote Tidy Towns invite you to get to know Ballymote Town Park from a different perspective that of volunteers, Ecologist Katie Neary and Horticulturist Mandy Ryan. We are hosting a free guided walk through on Sunday May, 25th starting at 6pm at the Sligo Road entrance to the park. Adults and accompanied children welcome, no dogs please. Free parking close by. Social Dance There will be a Social Dance in The Loftus Hall, Ballymote, Sunday 1st June, at the later time of 8.30pm-11.00pm. Music by Michael O Brien and Philomena. Please come and support. Admission €10. All welcome. fifty/fifty draw Ballymote GAA fifty/fifty draw has resumed and will be held every two weeks, congratulations to our latest winner, name of winner displayed locally check out our Facebook page for more details. Tickets can be purchased at Kelly's Supervalu on Saturday prior to Monday draw. Next draw Monday 26th May. Sympathy Sympathy is extended to the family, relatives and friends of Maura Higgins (née Scanlon) ,New York and formerly Carrigans Upper whose death occurred recently. First Holy Communion Congratulations to the children from Scoil Mhuire gan Smal and Knockminna National School who celebrated their First Holy Communion on Sunday 11th May in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballymote and Doo Church. Family Resource Centre A parent and toddler group meet at Ballymote Family Resource Centre every Wednesday from 10am-12pm. This group is free and everybody is welcome there is no need to book. Please call 071-9197818 for more information. Kids Movement Hub-A free six week movement class for kids aged 4-10 years commenced at Ballymote FRC on Tuesday, 29th of April class time 3.30-4.30pm. This class will be led by a qualified tutor. Please call Ballymote FRC on 071-9197818 to book a place. Karate classes for children are running at Ballymote FRC every Monday from 5.30pm–8pm. Please contact info@ for more details. Foroige run activities for children aged 10 upwards at Ballymote FRC, Friday afternoons. Please contact Rachel 086-1275225 for more details. Infinity Stage School for children is running at Ballymote FRC every Wednesday from 5.30-8pm. Please contact Amanda on 087-6740824 for more details. ADVERTISEMENT Adolescent counselling is available at Ballymote FRC. Contact solastherapysligo@ for more information. Country Night Country Night at the Coleman Music Centre with a wonderful line up of acts including Carmel Mc Loughlin, Gerry Guthrie, Effie Neill, Brian Kerrigan and Matt Curran. On Thursday, 29th May at 8pm. Tickets on sale 071 9182599 or visit notes Anyone who wishes to have news items included in the notes E-mail miriamsfinn@ phone 085 deadline for submission of notes is 5pm Thursday. GURTEEN Recent death The death took place on April 30 of Patrick Christopher Coleman, Knutsfield, Cheshire a native of Lisaballely, Gurteen. He was brother of the late Mary Igoe, James ( Jimmy) and Thady (Ted) Coleman. His Funeral Mass was on Wednesday May 28. in de Paul's, Knutsford. May he rest in Peace. Cemetery Mass The annual Killaraght New Cemetery Mass will be on on June 1 at 9.30pm-feast of the Ascension. First Holy Communion The First Holy Communion for Cloonloo two pupils was held in Cloonloo Church on last Saturday May 17 and the following day Sunday 18 for thirteen pupils in St. Patrick's Church, Gurteen at the 11.30am Mass. Eastern Harps Eastern Harps .50/50 draw held on Monday night May 12 was won by Mikey O'Grady,c/o O'Dowd's Lakeview Bar, Monsteraden who won €626. The Club are most grateful for all the support each week to assist with the running of the Club. Gurteen Celtic Gurteen Celtic jackpot of £2900 was not won on Sunday May 11 numbers drawn were -1, 11, 14, 18 and the €50 prize went to Marie Murphy, Kilfree. The Draw next week for € 3,000 for will be in O'Dowd's Monasteraden. The committee are most grateful for all support. Bingo Bingo is held every Friday night at 8pm in Gurteen Hall. Jackpot is at €2700 in forty seven calls and the lotto jackpot is €650. The committee are most thankful for all the support. Plgrimage to Lough Derg Achonry and Elphin dioceses' 3-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg on Friday June13 to Sunday June 15. Contact Justin Harkin 087-6171526 see also Lough Derg Lough Derg One Day Retreates–May–Saturday 24 , Monday 26. Also, in August and September Quiet day–Friday 12 September The 3 day pilgrimages begin Friday 16 May. until Friday 15 August Residential Retreats–Monday 19 May and Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July. See and to book essential, and 071-9861518. Coleman Music events On Thursday night May 29 there will be a Country night in the Coleman Music Centre featuring Carmel McLoughlin, Gerry Guthrie, Effie Neill, Brian Kerrigan and Matt Curran. This promises to be a great night and early booking is advised. Contact 071-9182599 or email MERVILLE CENTRE Condolences The Merville Management Committee, staff and on behalf of the wider Merville community wish to offer our condolences to the family and many friends of Dominic Fallon, 33 Martin Savage Terrace and formerly of Jink's Avenue, who has passed away recently. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Pathway to employment Community Employment (CE) is a great option for those on a lower social welfare rate as it involves increased payment on to the higher CE rate, while providing work experience/training for 19.5 hours a week. New Qualification Rules came into force earlier this year so you may qualify especially if you are over 50 Years and Unemployed for over 12 Months. Community Employment vacancies are currently available for school age care (afternoons) and caretakers (evenings and weekends). No experience is necessary as full training will be provided. Get involved in working in your community while availing of career changing opportunities. Call 071 9150029 for further information. Dreamchasers Childcare Pre-enrolment spaces are now available for our award-winning community based pre-school service for the 2025/2026 term. With a focus on outdoor play, Dreamchasers Childcare Service has an established community centered programme for all children with an emphasis on fun being our number one priority. Free preschool places on the ECCE Scheme and Qualifying Supports such as the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) are available. Please contact 071-9152022 mobile 086-4424093 for further information. Safety matters All patrons of Merville Community Centre are asked to exercise caution when driving in the area when on drop off and pick up, as these times can be extremely busy both at the centre and in the locality. Best practice would be to drop off and pick up outside the centre where possible. Be especially aware of pedestrians crossing at the centre entrance and exit. Think safe! Pendant alarms Merville Community Centre facilitate on behalf of our Community the provision to eligible persons of Social Monitored Pendant Alarms, under the Seniors Alert Scheme that is administered by POBAL. Equipment Funding is available for eligible persons over 65 years for the installation of an monitored alarm on a landline in the person's home. The alarms are now available for persons aged 65 or older and living alone, living with another person who meets the terms and conditions, living alone for significant periods of time during the day, or is a carer to someone else in their household. First year monitoring is free for all new applicants. Subsequent annual monitoring charges are then payable by the user. Other systems are available at various costs for those who do not possess a landline. Overall this monitoring product adds peace of mind for both the users, family and friends at minimal cost. Contact Merville Centre Office at 071 9150029 for further information. 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