Clare County Council is encouraging the people of County Clare to get involved in National Heritage Week 2017 by organising an event in their community to showcase their local natural and cultural heritage.
National Heritage Week – the theme of which is ‘It’s In Your Nature’ – takes place nationwide from August 19th to 27th. Coordinated nationally by the Heritage Council, the annual initiative is Ireland’s most popular cultural event and this year over 450,000 people are expected to participate in over 2,000 heritage events.
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.
Congella McGuire, Clare Heritage Officer said: “Clare County Council encourages people to view Heritage Week as an opportunity to display their own area of heritage, be it natural, built or cultural, to the broader public. National Heritage Week will this year shine a spotlight on the challenges to our natural environment but also highlight the small changes that we can all make towards conserving it. During National Heritage Week everyone is encouraged to get involved and make a difference.”
Ms. McGuire stated that there are many ways for interested groups and individuals to take part in Heritage Week.
“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. We would ask organisers to 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 and family friendly where possible throughout the week,” Ms McGuire added.
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.