National Heritage Week 2019 is almost here and is looking better than ever, with a raft of exciting events to be held across County Cork, Fine Gael Cork North West General Election candidate Councillor John Paul O’Shea has said.With 2,000 events taking place across the country and 140 of those in the County of Cork, there is something for everyone, from various exhibitions to walking tours, dances and arts and crafts, you name it. The week is co-ordinated by the Heritage Council and carries the main aim of promoting our heritage, not just in Ireland but across Europe as part of the wider European Heritage Days Programme.Heritage week 2019 runs from 17th-25th August and the theme this year is ‘Pastimes & Past Times’. Take a wander through our past and see how our world today has been shaped by historical events and our historical livelihood. The prime focus is allowing us to gain an insight into our heritage and to achieve an understanding about how things have changed so much over the years while also partaking in various activities, and perhaps taking up a new pastime. The success of Heritage Week is credited to different heritage groups, organisations and communities who take the time to immerse themselves into the historical aspects of their local region and endeavour to promote it.Some highlights from Cork North West include:
- Laharn Cross, Lombardstown; Dancing at the Crossroads – 8pm-10pm, August 18th & 25th;
- Macroom Castle Demesne: Parkland, with Ted Cook, Castle Arch Entrance, Macroom – 2pm-5pm, August 18th;
- Pastimes Explored, Mercy Heritage Centre, Main Street, Charleville – 3pm to 4.30pm, August 18th and 10.30am to 12.30pm, August 23rd;
- RaptorLIFE Family Nature Day, Park/River Walk, Kiskeam – 11am to 2pm, August 19th;
Commenting on the events of this year’s Heritage Week, Cllr. O’Shea said: “This year’s National Heritage Week promises to be bigger and better than ever before. We have 140 unique events taking place here in County Cork alone, as well as 2,000 nationally, so there is literally something for everyone. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone and anyone, of all ages and interests to come along to some of the events which have been arranged especially for the week that’s in it.”
Each year Cork County Council brings out a Heritage Week County Cork Events Guide to promote these wonderful events and this is now available throughout the County in Tourist Offices, Libraries, Area Offices, and Museums and in a number of other outlets. The Events Guide can also be posted out upon request (email conor.nelligan@corkcoco.ie with your address and a copy will be posted to you). The leaflet is available electronically via www.corkcoco.ie/arts-heritage/heritage-week-2019.
To keep up to date with Heritage Week Activities nationwide check out the Heritage Council’s website www.heritageweek.ie to find details of all events taking place throughout the country as well as a few different competitions to enter.
