National Heritage week kicks off in Tipperary this weekend

Free admission and guided tours of Cahir Castle, eBike tours of North Tipperary’s castles and churches, remembering the pirate radio station of Carrick-on-Suir and heritage charcoal art workshops in Clonmel are among the many free events taking place across Tipperary during National Heritage Week 2024, from Saturday August 17th to Sunday August 25th.

 Local heritage groups and organisers, families, communities and individuals in Tipperary have responded to this year’s theme of ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’ by organising events showcasing the best of what Tipperary’s local heritage has to offer. Well over 2,000 events will take place nationwide with a full list available on the National Heritage Week website.

Coordinated by the Heritage Council, some other highlights from this year’s National Heritage Week programme in Tipperary also include:

Lands to Hands, Banba Square, Nenagh (20 August, 2pm to 4pm) -Participants are invited to bring with them a small piece of the land where they live such as a bird's feather, a flower, a stone, from their garden, the park, the lough. These objects will be used to explore and develop movement, remembering our connection to the land.

Introduction to Natural Materials & Basket Weaving by Lynn Kirkham at the Black Mills, Roscrea (23 August, 2pm to 4pm) -During this event, Lynn will talk people through the use of natural materials such as willow, how it is grown, when it is harvested and what this natural material can be used for.

Restoring an older building: an introduction workshop, Knockelly Castle, Fethard (23 August, 9.30am to 5pm) -This workshop aims to equip those who are thinking of renovating or restoring an older building, but are not sure where to start. From identifying problems and appropriate solutions, to retrofitting and the Vacant and Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant.

The Crop, The Shop and The Table at Thurles Farmers Market (24 August, 10am to 12.30pm) -Print Van Go, travelling print studio and The Printmakers' Garden Club will host a child-led printmaking pop-up morning all about ‘The Crop, The Shop and The Table’ at the Thurles Farmers Market on Saturday 24th August in collaboration with Clonoulty Tidy Villages.

Commenting, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said: “Browsing through the over 2,000 events taking place during National Heritage Week this year gives a sense of the shear variety and colour of our nation’s heritage – they cover nature, culture, music, traditions, folklore, writing, history, architecture, archaeology, archives and so much more.

“It is also a sign of the strength of the sector, the depth of knowledge people have and their generosity in sharing that knowledge. Many of the events are volunteer led, organised by dedicated people who seek no recompense or adulation.

“We must never take these people for granted and I will continue unapologetically to mention them at every opportunity, such is their importance not only to National Hertiage Week, but to the preservation of Irish heritage in general.”

Two themed days will take place during National Heritage Week. On Saturday 24th of August, Wild Child Day encourages children and families to explore the heritage in their locality.

On Sunday, 25th of August, the Heritage Council and the Local Authority Waters Programme invite people to explore National Heritage Week projects that celebrate water and our connections with it.