National Heritage Week comes to Offaly

by Emily Sheehan

With National Heritage Week fast approaching, there are a variety of events organised in Offaly, offering an insight into the county's past.

Building on the theme of Connections, Routes and Networks, there are 57 different events organised in Offaly as part of National Heritage Week.

Information about a selection of the events can be seen below.

For the full list of events, click here.

Conservation Tour of Birr

Organised by Birr 20|20 and Offaly County Council, a historic tour of Birr is to be held on Wednesday, August 21. Free of charge, the event is a chance to experience the history of Birr.

This walking tour will visit two historic sites – beginning at the 'old' St. Brendan's Church, a site for which Birr 20|20 recently received Heritage Council grant support to conserve its roof, and moving to the Birr courthouse.

Since 2015, Birr 20|20 has been actively seeking possible future uses or the historic 19th century courthouse, where the last court was held in 2013.

For further information, contact info@birr.ie

Brosna River Literary and Music Festival

Taking place on Saturday August 24, the Brosna River Literary and Music Festival shall see a variety of music performances on the banks of the Brosna River, at Clara House Estate.

Events for children, such as art and music workshops, shall take place before the event.

The free festival will take place in a tree-lined auditorium outdoor, and is accessible by rail with a five minute walk to the grounds from the station.

The event is part of the Cross Community Brosna River Relay Initiative, organised by the Clara Heritage Society in partnership with Clara Tidy Towns and the Chamber of Commerce.

For those with extra mobility needs, they should contact claraheritagesociety@email.com, or phone 085 253 4711 to ensure that accommodations are in place.

Folly Tales and Treasure Trails

Organised by Ballycumber Tidy Towns and Freshwater Ballycumber Brosna, a series of art workshops for adults and children alike are set to take place at Ballycumber Bridge on Sunday, August 25 between 2pm and 7pm.

The children's event will consist of a foraging workshops, a treasure hunt, and a workshop with horticulturist Siobhan Lavell, from the Coole Eco Community, and will take place from 2pm – 4pm.

The adult's event, taking place from 5pm to 7pm will be an evening of song, poetry, and music, featuring artists from Clara, Ballycumber, Pollagh, and Ferbane.

The event will include inclusive art workshops for children with disabilities, and a group from the Ferbane branch of St. Hilda's, fostering inclusivity throughout Heritage week.

For further information, email emercdoherty@gmail.com