More than 80 heritage events are taking place across the county next week celebrating the best of what Clare has to offer.
Running from August 15th to 23rd, Heritage Week will celebrate a wide variety of Clare’s history and culture from historic buildings and archaeology to traditional skills, music and storytelling.
This year’s theme is ‘heritage at risk’, encouraging people to explore the built, natural and cultural aspects of our heritage that are endangered.
Community gatherings, open days, film screenings, workshops, exhibitions, guided heritage trails, walks, talks and biodiversity events are just some of those taking place in Clare throughout the week.
Sunday, August 16th will see the launch of the Quin Friary Visitor App, which combines audio, visuals and a guided tour to bring the history of the Friary to life.
The OPW will be hosting daily tours of the Ennis Friary and Scattery Island, while demonstations at St Senan’s Holy Well in Clonlara and St Bridget’s Holy Well in Liscannor will teach visitors about efforts to restore wetlands and protect water sources.
Clare County Council Heritage Officer, Congella McGuire, says conservation and biodiversity form a large aspect of this year’s programme of events.
Blacksmithing workshops, mythology sessions and the lighting of Fulachtaí Fia are just some of the events taking place at historical sites across the county, including Bunratty Castle, Inis Cealtra and Craggaunowen.
In the west of the county, storytelling and discussions on archaeology and the concertina will take place in Kilfenora, while a free guided bus tour will explore Clare’s stained-glass heritage in Doonbeg.
Kilkee Heritage Group and Kilrush and District Historical Society member, Michael O’Brien, says it’s a great opportunity to showcase the area’s tourism potential.
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