Clare County Council is encouraging the people of County Clare to get involved in National Heritage Week 2013 by organising an event in their community to showcase their local natural and cultural heritage.
Groups and individuals interested in organising events are reminded that they must register by 31st of May to ensure inclusion in the National Heritage Week Event Guide.
National Heritage Week 2013 takes place nationwide from 17th – 25th August. Last year’s celebration saw over 2,000 people participate in 60 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.
“The week focuses on getting people involved in the heritage of Ireland and particularly the heritage of the local community, making it accessible to everyone. Many events organised are free of charge and National Heritage sites also offer concession rates during the week itself,” explained Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Pat Daly.
Congella McGuire, Clare Heritage Officer stated, “The Clare Heritage Office would encourage enthusiasts in the county to view Heritage Week 2013 as an opportunity to display their own area of heritage be Natural, Built or Cultural to the broader public. Heritage Week allows for the national focus to be placed on our heritage and presents a tremendous opportunity to engage more people in its protection and its promotion.”
Ms. McGuire stated that there are many ways for interested groups and individuals to take part in Heritage Week. She explained: “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. 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.”
Speaking about the week, Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education at the Heritage Council said: “Every year people’s involvement in National Heritage Week continues to grow. The week is a great platform for people to highlight their heritage assets and to promote what makes their place so unique. We have some great plans underway for the week and will be posting more information on Facebook and heritageweek.ie in the weeks ahead, so stay in touch. The theme for the week is ‘Discover the Past. Build the Future’ because we believe that heritage is about today, about our quality of life and about the things we value.”
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 31st May 2013 will be listed in the National Heritage Week Event Guide which will be available free at OPW Sites, Heritage Centres & Historical Societies, Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, Libraries, CNCI Members, NPWS Sites, Heritage Officers and County Councils, An Óige Hostels, Various Individual Museums (MSPI Participants), Bus Eireann Stations and some Hotels across the country.
Further information is available from Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare; Tel: 065-6821616; Email: cmcguire@clarecoco.ie.
Groups and individuals interested in organising events are reminded that they must register by 31st of May to ensure inclusion in the National Heritage Week Event Guide.
National Heritage Week 2013 takes place nationwide from 17th – 25th August. Last year’s celebration saw over 2,000 people participate in 60 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.
“The week focuses on getting people involved in the heritage of Ireland and particularly the heritage of the local community, making it accessible to everyone. Many events organised are free of charge and National Heritage sites also offer concession rates during the week itself,” explained Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Pat Daly.
Congella McGuire, Clare Heritage Officer stated, “The Clare Heritage Office would encourage enthusiasts in the county to view Heritage Week 2013 as an opportunity to display their own area of heritage be Natural, Built or Cultural to the broader public. Heritage Week allows for the national focus to be placed on our heritage and presents a tremendous opportunity to engage more people in its protection and its promotion.”
Ms. McGuire stated that there are many ways for interested groups and individuals to take part in Heritage Week. She explained: “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. 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.”
Speaking about the week, Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education at the Heritage Council said: “Every year people’s involvement in National Heritage Week continues to grow. The week is a great platform for people to highlight their heritage assets and to promote what makes their place so unique. We have some great plans underway for the week and will be posting more information on Facebook and heritageweek.ie in the weeks ahead, so stay in touch. The theme for the week is ‘Discover the Past. Build the Future’ because we believe that heritage is about today, about our quality of life and about the things we value.”
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 31st May 2013 will be listed in the National Heritage Week Event Guide which will be available free at OPW Sites, Heritage Centres & Historical Societies, Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, Libraries, CNCI Members, NPWS Sites, Heritage Officers and County Councils, An Óige Hostels, Various Individual Museums (MSPI Participants), Bus Eireann Stations and some Hotels across the country.
Further information is available from Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare; Tel: 065-6821616; Email: cmcguire@clarecoco.ie.
