Heritage Week 2022 takes place nationwide from Saturday 13th to Sunday 21st August and Kildare County Council in partnership with local community and heritage groups has an extensive schedule of events to showcase the joy, diversity and accessibility that can be found within Kildare’s rich heritage. From barge trips to biodiversity walks and exhibitions to tours for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Kildare.
Heritage Week is coordinated by the Heritage Council and Local Authority Heritage Officers and supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with the aim of fostering a greater understanding and awareness of our own local heritage. As a nation of storytellers, our heritage is linked to stories of people, places, moments, and things.
As we emerge from two difficult years, National Heritage Week 2022 is all about engaging with heritage to create a more resilient world, enhancing sustainability and biodiversity. With over 70 events taking place throughout county Kildare, there is undoubtedly an event for everyone, no matter their age or interests. The eclectic offering of events in this year’s schedule includes boats and biodiversity, talks & tours, ceilís, crafts & craic, all of which serve to make our county’s heritage more inclusive than ever.
“I am amazed at the number and variety of events happening during Heritage week this year. We have over 70 events taking place, many of which are organised by history, heritage and tidy towns groups to showcase their local heritage. I must commend community and heritage groups for their enthusiasm and energy during heritage week each year” said Bridget Loughlin, County Kildare Heritage Officer.
“Heritage Week presents an opportunity to take part in one of the numerous walks organised by community groups to present and explain local heritage and to discover the wealth of fascinating heritage within the county. National Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on not only our heritage but the work of hundreds of Kildare volunteers who give their time to preserve and promote it.” She added.
Most events are free; however, participants are advised to confirm details of events in advance as some events require booking. Children are welcome to most events, but young children should be accompanied by an adult. Some events may be weather dependent and take place on uneven ground so suitable dress and footwear is advised.
National Heritage Week is a celebration of Ireland's built, natural and cultural heritage and aims to generate awareness, appreciation and preservation of our wonderful resources. This year The Heritage Council’s chosen theme for Heritage Week is the celebration of Pastimes and Past Times.
The Heritage Week programme features events for all ages, most of which are free to attend. Local highlights include:
Walkshop - Tour of Phenological observation site with Visual Artist Martina O'Brien in connection with 'of ephemeral measure' project on 19 August.
Join Visual Artist Martina O’Brien on a Walkshop to her digital Phenological observation site in the Irish Peatland Conservation Councils’ Nature Reserve.
Walk and talk in Maudlins Graveyard, Dublin Road, Naas on 18th August
Naas Local History Group are planning a walk and talk in Maudlins Graveyard to explore the history associated with the gravestones in the graveyard
Visit to Ballynafagh Lake and Church on 16th August
Join County Kildare Archaeological Society on a tour of Ballynafagh Lake (or Blackwood Reservoir) which lies 2km north of Prosperous town. A man-made lake, it was built at the end of the 18th Century to supply water to the Grand Canal via the Blackwood (Coill Dubh) feeder, and the remains of the gate house that controlled the water-flow to the canal are still standing
Kildare County Council has compiled a listing of these and the many other events happening around the County. This listing of events which is available from https://kildarecoco.ie/AllServices/Heritage/News/
