HORIZONS: National heritage week starts next Saturday, August 22nd, with more than 1,000 events scheduled nationwide in celebration of our natural and cultural heritage.
The activities reflect Ireland’s diversity, from the landscapes, creatures, trees and plants that predate humans, to all that we have brought since arriving here some 10,000 years ago.
There’s a chance to view the remnants of our ancestors’ lives as unearthed by road-building in Dublin city, to meet the genetically unique goats that live on Bilberry Rock in Waterford city, and to revel at the All-Ireland Sean-Nós dancing competition in Co Meath. Antique toys are on view in Co Wexford, and there is an exhibition celebrating the world-class surf at the Cliffs of Moher. See heritageweek.ie
EDIBLE HERITAGE
Although the humble spud has lost ground as a staple of Irish dinners, it’s hard to imagine when potatoes weren’t part of a typical meal. On Saturday, August 29th, the Kerry County Museum in Tralee will bring you back to such a time with a lecture on typical medieval Irish fare. For those with adventurous palates there’s a food-tasting to follow, and if you fancy the flavours the museum’s cafe is serving a full medieval menu.
Local seasonal food is celebrated throughout the week with cookery demonstrations and food stalls including those at family festivals in Kilkenny Castle; Churchill, Co Donegal; and Mitchelstown, Co Cork.
ECOWEB
positivenews.org.uk
The online presence of the quarterly international newspaper, Positive News. The publication promotes people and enterprises that work to create a more healthy, humane and environmentally sustainable world. There’s a youth section that invites young journalists and entrepreneurs, schools, colleges and community groups to publicise their events and projects.
NATURAL HERITAGE
During Heritage Week there’s a plethora of free nature, bat and forest walks including the chance to touch slimy underwater creatures at Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve, west Cork.
One afternoon activity on Sunday, August 23rd, that is sure to inspire is the whale, porpoise and dolphin watch. With knowledgeable guides from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group at 14 headland locations around the coast, the event offers participants an opportunity to spot some of these magnificent marine mammals.