Heritage Week in County Wicklow

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Discover the Past Build the Future

There’s lots of fun in store for you during National Heritage Week 2013. As usual there is lots happening in County Wicklow, with a huge selection of events planned. From historical fairs, family fun days, wildflower walks, whale watching, talks, traditional music, storytelling, historical re-enactments, local history walks and talks, maritime and coastal events, food fairs and traditional skills workshops . There’s something for everyone and most events are free!

The Heritage Office has produced a free County Wicklow Events guide to help you get the most from what’s on offer in your local area. Pick up a copy at local tourist offices, libraries, public offices and venues or click on the pdf copy below.  As usual a full description of each event is available at  http://www.heritageweek.ie/ , also this website contains the most up to date information on some of the last minute events that didn’t make the publication.

The following is a snapshot of just some of the events taking place in Wicklow during National Heritage Week 2013:

·         Tours of Carnew Castle Grounds Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th 13;00 – 18:00. Open for 2 days for picnics on the lawn and walks around the grounds. Period dress & picnic basket essential. Venue : Tours of Carnew Castle Grounds, Main Street, Carnew. Cost : €5 per adult, children free. Organiser : Carnew Training & Development & Carnew Traders & Friends, Dermot Kenny, dermot.kenny@carnewtdc.ie , 053 9426555

·          The OS Letters of Wicklow & Carlow – Find out more about the OS survey recorders; the Curry Brothers, O’ Donovan and O Connor who carried out this task through the winter of 1838 at the launch of this new publication from Four Masters Press. Venue: Greystones Library, 7.00pm Tuesday 20th Aug.

·         Wicklow’s Living Wetlands Exhibition Monday 19th – Friday 23rd 09:00 – 17:00 (FREE) Featuring a beautiful selection of photographs submitted to the Wetlands Competition. The prize winners of the Photography Competition to be announced on Thursday 22nd @ 6.30pm in County Buildings at a special reception all welcome to attend. Organised jointly by Wicklow County Council and BirdwatchIreland, and supported by the Heritage Council Contact: Heritage Office, Deirdre Burns, dburns@wicklowcoco.ie , 0404 20100, http://www.countywicklowheritage.org/

·         ‘Little Ireland’: The Mining town of Cleator Mor in Cumbria and its links with Wicklow. Hear all about the forgotten and fascinating mining migration links between Wicklow and North West England,  bring your photos, share your stories. Venue: Glendalough Visitors Centre, Saturday 17th Aug 7.00 pm Organised by the Glens of Lead.

·         The Avoca Copper and Sulphur Mines Sunday 18th August 15:00 – 17:00 (FREE) Guided walk over what was Ireland’s longest operating mine with its unique geology, buildings and social history. The walk takes in some of the most unique landscape in County Wicklow. Follow the paths and the extraordinary lives of the thousands of miners who mined for copper and sulphur during the 18th and 19th centuries. You will never see the Vale of Avoca in the same light again. Avoca has been described, as the ‘Cornwall of Ireland’, this walk will show you why. Sensible walking shoes and rain gear advised. Venue : East Avoca Mines Walk, White Bridge, Tigroney. Organiser : Avoca Heritage, Nick Coy, nickcoy@eircom.net , 087 7375452

·         The Hollywood Fair Saturday 17th 17:00 – 21:30 & Sunday 12:00 – 22:00 .The Hollywood Fair is a community run festival taking place over 4 days in August.  It is themed on pre-1950’s rural life in Ireland, when people had to be self-reliant. The Fair also features a very successful sheep fair. It is our objective to showcase our heritage and especially in this Year of The Gathering, to invite our relatives and friends from abroad to experience what life in Hollywood was like back in the pre-1950’s. Among the highlights are the sheep fair, period food stalls, céilí house & dancing at the crossroads, forge & horse shoeing exhibition, steam engines, craft stalls, history enactments (the Famine), open air traditional music, sheepdog trials and the cooking of col-cannon, to name just a few.  Please visit our website for more information on the 2013 Hollywood Fair. Venue : Hollywood Village, Hollywood, Co. Wicklow. Cost : €2 per adult.  Children up to 16 years free. Organiser : The Hollywood Fair Organising Committee, Marie Corrigan, hollywoodfair@gmail.com , 087 9819720, http://www.hollywoodfair.com/

·         Whale Watch Ireland 2013 Sunday 18th 14:00 – 17:00 (FREE) Join the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group for a guided, 3-hour, land-based whale watch. No bookings necessary. Dress appropriately for weather, bring binoculars.  There will be a short walk to watch site.  There is, of course, no guarantee of sightings at all sites. Venue : Bray Head, Pitch & Putt car park. Organiser : Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), Hannah Keogh, padraig.whooley@iwdg.ie , 086 3850568, http://www.iwdg.ie/

·         Family Fun Day at East Coast Nature Reserve Sunday 18th 14:00 – 16:00. National Heritage Week Family Fun Day at East Coast Nature Reserve. Wildlife themed treasure hunt, kids’ bird race, quiz with spot prizes, face painting, pond dipping etc. Meet at the entrance to the reserve (double wooden gates), Newcastle Sea Road. Venue : East Coast Nature Reserve, Newcastle Sea Road, Newcastle. Organiser : BirdWatch Ireland Wicklow Branch, Niall Keogh, birdwatchwicklow@gmail.com , 085 7368133

·         A Wildflower Guided Walk in the Meadows Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th 15:00 – 16:00 (FREE ) Guided walk. The meadows of Kilmacurragh have been rejuvenated over the last few years.  This walk will explore biodiversity in the meadow and wildflower identification. Venue : National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, Kilbride, Wicklow. Organiser : National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, philip.quested@opw.ie , 0404 48844, http://www.botanicgardens.ie/

Hidden History Hill Walk Sunday 18th 14:00 – 16:00 (FREE) This hidden history hill walk promises to be an interesting adventure into Wicklow’s colourful past. Starting at Castlekevin, travelling through the village of Annamoe, then traversing the old road to Derralossary, the walk will cover historical aspects & points of interest along the route. This event is hosted jointly by Wicklow Uplands Council and Roundwood Historical Society. Organiser : Wicklow Uplands Council & Roundwood Historical Society, Cara Heraty, cdoyle@wicklowuplands.ie, 01 2818406, http://www.wicklowuplands.ie/

Guided Walk of Glendalough Monastic City, Tuesday 20th Aug 16.00-18.00. Walk through the monastery and find out more about the history and legends of st. Kevin and local Placenames and folklore. Contact Martin Swords swords.martin@gmail.com

·         Open Day at Wicklow Head Lighthouse Sunday 25th 10:00 – 16:00 (FREE) An opportunity to see the conservation work of Irish Landmark.  Self-guided tour of this restored lighthouse, now available as holiday accommodation. Please park in the car park on the left just before the lighthouse when approaching from Wicklow Town. Child supervision is required due to the coastal location.Venue : Wicklow Head Lighthouse, Dunbur Head, Wicklow.Organiser : Irish Landmark Trust, Caroline Crowley, caroline@irishlandmark.com , 01 6704733, http://www.irishlandmark.com/

·         Family Day Saturday 17th & Saturday 24th 10:00 – 16:30 (FREE) Family Day – an Explorer Trail, a guided walk or a guided tour – take your pick! Saturday the 17th and 24th of August are ‘Family Days’ in Kilmacurragh.  Join us for some family-friendly events, take a self-guided trail, learn how to identify wild flowers in our meadow walks or take a guided tour tailored especially for families.  Picnics welcome. Venue : National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, Kilbride, Wicklow.Organiser : National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, philip.quested@opw.ie , 0404 48844, http://www.botanicgardens.ie/

·         Burnaby Heritage Weekend Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th 8:00 – 23:00 (FREE) Shop and restaurant window exhibition of the 19th and early 20th century photographs taken by Elizabeth Hawkins-Whitshed. The woman behind the creation of the renowned Burnaby estate was an Alpinist, winter sports enthusiast, bicyclist and all round adventurer, as her photographs reveal. Venue : Greystones town centre, Church Road, La Touche Place and Trafalgar Road, Greystones. Organiser : The Burnaby Residents Association, Greystones, Peter Murtagh, pmurtagh@irishtimes.com , 087 2531198

·         The Week That Was: County Wicklow in August 1913 Wednesday 21st August 19:00 – 19:45 (FREE) A talk and discussion session presented by Jim Scannell on Wicklow society and current affairs as they were in August 1913. Jim is a prolific local historian with a special interest in Bray and North Wicklow and is involved with numerous community and historical groups. Venue : Ballywaltrim Library, Boghall Road, Bray.Organiser : Wicklow County Council Library Service, Ciara O`Brien, caobrien@wicklowcoco.ie , 01 2866566

·         The Story of Wicklow Gold Friday 23rd 20:00 – 22:00 (FREE) A talk on the Wicklow gold rush of 1795 by Peader McArdle, former Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland. Based on his book Gold Frenzy – a fascinating talk about the many aspects of the gold rush story. Venue : Newcastle Community Centre, Newcastle, Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Organiser : Newcastle Residents’ Association, Miriam Johnston, miriamjohnston@eircom.net , 087 2214533, newcastlewicklow.ie

·         Concert of Traditional Irish and World Music Friday 23rd August 20:00 – 21:00. Featuring the wonderful, unique sound of Noteworthy, with a blend of vocalists, 2 Harps and 6 other traditional instruments. Plentiful street parking is available near the Church. Concert time is too late for small children, but concert is suitable for all adults and teenagers. Venue : St Marys Church of Ireland,, Main Street, Blessington. Cost : €8 Organiser : Noteworthy Music Group, John Mac Namara, sdiglass@eircom,net, 087 6534693

·         Wicklow Reminiscences: Exhibition and Community Project Saturday 17th – Sunday 25th 08;00 – 17:00 (FREE) A display on the lesser-known characters of Wicklow where viewers are encouraged to contribute their own anecdotes and memories. Stories contributed by the public will be added to Wicklow’s online heritage archive at http://www.countywicklowheritage.org/ Venue : All Wicklow Branch Libraries Organiser : Wicklow County Council Library Service, Ciara O`Brien, caobrien@wicklowcoco.ie , 01 2866566, http://www.countywicklowheritage.org/

·         Celebrate OAK GLEN’s ‘Coming of Age’ Sunday 25th 15:00 – 17:00 (FREE) Celebrate ‘the coming of age of Oak Glen’ forest.  Guided tree walks with lots of family fun activities. Tree planting ceremony dedicated to the sponsors and contributors followed by entertainment and activities for all the family.  Venue : Cloon OAK GLEN Forest, Glencree, Co. Wicklow. Organiser : Crann (People for Trees (I) Ltd), Marguerite Arbuthnot-O`Brien, info@crann.ie , 01 6275075, http://www.crann.ie/

·         Vintage Car Rally at Powerscourt Estate Sunday 18th August 14:00 – 17:30 (FREE) Join Ireland’s largest motor club, the Irish Vintage and Veteran Car Club (IVVCC), for their 36th run at Powerscourt. Chat with motor enthusiasts and marvel at the stylish array of vintage vehicles at the event. Everyone is welcome to come dressed to impress in their best vintage clothes! Music plays a big part in the relaxed atmosphere and there will be live music at the event.  See website for more information. Venue : Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Organiser : Powerscourt Estate, Aoife O`Driscoll, aoife.odriscoll@powerscourt.net , 01 2046000, www.powerscourt.ie/events

·         Miniature Hat Making Classes Tuesday 20th & Thursday 22nd August 14:00 – 15:00. The owners of Dolls House Corner at the Blackrock Market will once again run their very popular miniature hat making class for National Heritage Week. There will be a selection of dolls house accessories available for purchase on the day of the class. This year Dolls House Corner http://www.blackrockmarket.com/dolls-house-corner.html will have a selection of dolls house accessories available for purchase at the museum. Venue : Tara’s Palace Museum of Childhood, Powerscourt House, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Cost : Classes are free with your entry ticket. Organiser : Tara’s Palace Museum of Childhood, Anne Lawless, alawless307@yahoo.com , 01 2748090, http://www.taraspalace.ie/

·         Blessington Currach Project Saturday 17th 10:00 – 17:00, Tuesday 20th 13:00 – 20:30 & Wednsday 21st – Saturday 24th 10:00 – 17:00 (FREE) Photographic exhibition of Currach making project in Blessington which was supervised by Padraig Dinneen of TG4’s Meitheal Mara. Venue : Blesington Library, New Town Centre, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. Organiser : Blessington Lakeside Heritage Group, Pat Conlan, blessingtoncomhaltascoislocha@gmail.com , 086 0752072

·         Guided Tours of Mount Usher Gardens Friday 23rd August 11:00 – 12:00. Guided tours of Ireland’s best example of a ‘Robinsonian’ garden; a great way to see the workings of Mount Usher Gardens. Booking is essential as places are limited.  Venue : Mount Usher Gardens, Ashford. Cost : Adults: €7.50, senior citizens: €6.50. Admission includes free guided tours of the gardens. Organiser : Mount Usher Gardens, Philomena O`Dowd, info@mountushergardens.ie , 0404 40205, http://www.mountushergardens.ie/

·         Ballymurrin Quaker Farm Settlement  Saturday 17th – Sunday 25th August 14:00 – 18:00 (FREE) Visit a Quaker farmstead from 1668, interiors and structures intact. Hear the story of Quakers in Ireland in 17th century. Visit the Quaker burial ground just 200m from house. Visits at 14:00, 15:30 & 17:00. A visit to the Quaker burial place is recommended (not guided, just 200m from house). Venue : Ballymurrin Quaker Farmstead 1669, Kilbride, near Beehive and East of N11, turn off onto lane, left 200m after Beehive, then 1.6km on right.Cost : €8, adults, €2 to €6 for concessions. Organiser : Ballymurrin Quaker Farmstead 1669, Philip Geoghegan, icon@iolfree.ie , 0404 48206, http://www.ballymurrinquakerfarmstead.eu/

·         Knockanree Garden Avoca  Saturday 17th – Sunday 25th 09:30 – 13:30. Primarily a woodland garden with specimen tress and shrubs and statuary from around the world. This garden has twice been judged first in Co. Wicklow in the All Ireland Garden Competition. Venue : Knockanree Gardens, Redcross Rd, Avoca. Cost : €5 (€4.50 for groups of 10+) Organiser : Harold Clarke, Harold Clarke, whclarke35628@gmail.com , 0402 35638, http://www.wicklowgardens.ie/

·         Wicklow’s Historic Gaol: Day Tours Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd August 13;00 – 15:00. Come to Wicklow’s Historic Gaol for an interactive experience that you will never forget! Step back in time and re-live Irish history.Venue : Wicklow’s Historic Gaol, Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow town. Cost : 50% off the normal admission charge for National Heritage Week. Organiser : Wicklow’s Historic Gaol, Judith Simko, tara@wicklowshistoricgaol.com , 0404 66433, http://www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com/

·         Bat Walk around Arklow Boating Lake Tuesday 20th August 20:30 – 21:30 (FREE) A bat walk by Enda Mullen of Wicklow Conservation Office organised by Corey Bateman, Arklow Environmental Litter Warden.  Sensible footwear and a sweater or jacket are advised. The event organisers take no responsibility for loss of property or injuries. Venue : Meet in Arklow Bay Hotel, Arklow. Organiser : Arklow Maritime and Marine Heritage Week, Jennifer M.J. Kavangh, jennifermjkavangh@eircom.net , 085 8183392

·         The Selfish Giant at Powerscourt Waterfall Saturday 24th august 14;00 – 15:00. Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum, will be bringing Oscar Wilde’s classic children’s story ‘The Selfish Giant’ to life this National Heritage Week. Families are invited to take part in an interactive re-telling of this story of an unusual friendship and a lesson learned. Help us to re-create the playful atmosphere of the Giant’s Garden with a whole host of outdoor games such as sack-racking, hula-hopping and parachute fun. Venue : Powerscourt Waterfall, Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co.Wicklow. Cost : Adults €5.50, student/OAP €5.00, child (u16) €3.50, children (u2) free, family ticket €16.00 (2 adults & up to 3 children)  Organiser : Powerscourt Estate, Aoife O`Driscoll, aoife.odriscoll@powerscourt.net , 01 2046000, www.powerscourt.ie/events

·         Vintage Sports Day Sunday 25th August 14:00 – 17:00 . Croquet, cricket, egg and spoon races, horse-shoe throwing, sack races and Punch and Judy show. Fun for all ages! Venue : Burnaby Vintage Sports Day, Burnaby Park, The Burnaby, Greystones. Cost : Nominal participation fee. Organiser : The Burnaby Residents Association, Peter Murtagh, pmurtagh@irishtimes.com , 087 253 1198

·         Heritage Walk Saturday 24th 11:00 – 12:30 (FREE) To celebrate National Heritage Week, the OPW Visitor Centre and Wicklow Mountains National Park are joining forces to bring you on a guided walk. There is a wealth of both built and natural heritage in the valley of Glendalough. We shall explore the eastern end of the valley, visiting some of the lesser known monuments, and discussing their history and natural history. Booking essential. Venue : OPW Visitor Centre, Glendalough. Organiser : National Parks & Wildlife Service & OPW, Gillian Stewart, wickloweducationcentre@environ.ie , 0404 45656

·         Arklow Maritime and Marine Heritage Service Gathering Thursday 22nd August 20:00 – 21:30 (FREE) Supt. M. Lake of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen will speak about the Falklands & his role there.  All community & visitors welcome. During the service a collection will be taken up for the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. Venue : Arklow Methodist Church, Arklow, Co. Wicklow. Organiser : Arklow Maritime and Marine Heritage Week, Jennifer M.J. Kavangh, jennifermjkavangh@eircom.net , 085 8183392

·         Family Walk by Coastal Roadstones of Arklow Friday 23rd 14:30 – 16:00 (FREE) Join us on a family walk by the coastal Roadstones of Arklow.  Sensible footwear and clothing suitable to all weather conditions advised. The organisers accept no responsibility for property loss or injury. Venue : Meet at Arklow RNLI Station, Arklow. Organiser : Arklow Maritime and Marine Heritage Week, Jennifer M.J. Kavanagh, jennifermjkavangh@eircom.net , 085 8183392