Clare County Council is encouraging the people of County Clare to get involved in National Heritage Week 2016 by organising an event in their community to showcase their local natural and cultural heritage.
National Heritage Week 2016 – the theme of which is ‘People and Place’ – takes place nationwide from August 20th to 28th. Last year’s celebration saw over 3,000 people participate in 90 events across The Banner County.
Each year events range from night-time bat walks, wildlife walks and lectures, classical music and poetry recitals, traditional music sessions, storytelling, historical re-enactments, and local history walks and talks.
Cllr. James Breen, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council is reminding groups and individuals interested in organising events that they must register by June 10th to ensure inclusion in the National Heritage Week Event Guide.
“Heritage Week focuses on getting people involved in the heritage of Ireland and particularly the heritage of the local community, making it accessible to everyone,” said the Cathaoirleach. “Many events organised are free of charge and National Heritage sites also offer concession rates during the week itself.”
Congella McGuire, Clare Heritage Officer stated, “Clare County Council encourages people to view Heritage Week 2016 as an opportunity to display their own area of heritage be it natural, built or cultural to the broader public. The annual initiative really works for spreading the word about the importance of local heritage. In a 2015 survey carried out by the Heritage Council, 92% of event organisers said that Heritage Week allowed them to reach a wider audience than could have been achieved otherwise.”
Ms. McGuire stated that there are many ways for interested groups and individuals to take part in Heritage Week.
“If you can, involve children and families. Events can be held at a variety of venues, such as monuments and historical sites, parks and gardens, woodlands, wildlife reserves and inland waterways, schools, libraries and heritage centres,” she explained.
Ms. McGuire added, “Involve organisations and people who are available to you such as local historians, wildlife experts, local authorities, schools, churches, community groups, youth clubs, drama groups, musicians, artists, and anyone who is willing to provide ideas, information and support. Events should be free of charge where possible throughout the week.”
Heritage Week is co-ordinated by The Heritage Council with support from Fáilte Ireland and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.
To register your event log on to www.heritageweek.ie. All events registered by June 10th 2016 will be listed in the National Heritage Week Event Guide.
Further information is available from Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare; Tel: 065-6821616; Email: cmcguire@clarecoco.ie.