Mayo all set for busy Heritage Week

Mayo is all set for National Heritage Week.

Kicking off tomorrow, Saturday, August 17, the people of Mayo are ready to dive into the rich history of Mayo and Ireland alike.

Explore the evolution of the Irish dialect known as Hiberno-English, try your hand at panning for gold and grinding corn the neolithic way at the Céide Fields, or adventure through the ancient routes of Croagh Patrick.

With over 70 free events happening around the county between this Saturday and next Sunday, August 25, it’s a great opportunity to connect with our built, natural, archaeological and cultural heritage. 

National Heritage Week takes place from this Saturday 17th August to Sunday 25th August, and most events are free.

Deirdre Cunningham, Mayo Heritage Officer explained how this year’s theme , ‘Connections, Routes, and Networks’ invites us all to explore the links between heritage, people and communities.

She continued “Heritage Week provides us with a wonderful opportunity to share and celebrate Mayo’s unrivalled built, natural, cultural and archaeological heritage, whether it is going on a guided walk, taking part in a workshop, going to a talk or exhibition, or visiting a local heritage site. We can discover what is on our doorstep and hopefully be inspired to explore and enjoy our heritage all year round”.

Speaking at the launch of Heritage Week in Mayo, Councillor Donna Sheridan, Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, commended the ‘hard work, enthusiasm and passion’ of all the groups and individuals who have organised events, often on a voluntary basis, and without whom Heritage Week would not happen.

Other highlights of this year’s programme include a talk by meteorologist Joanna Donnelly of Met Éireann and RTÉ on the science behind weather forecasting in the climate of Ireland, a screening of four mini-films on the lighthouses of Erris, and a lecture delivered by Dr Tomás Mac Conmara, on Mayo’s past recordings.

Co-ordinated by the Heritage Council since 2005, National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland’s largest cultural events.

At county level, National Heritage Week is co-ordinated and supported by local authority heritage officers, their colleagues, and with numerous local heritage groups and organisations.

Full details of all events taking place in Mayo are available on the Heritage Week website.