National Heritage Week has something for everyone

NEARLY half a million people are expected to take part in this year’s National Heritage Week.

Running from August 23 – 31, the majority of events are free to attend during the week, which is coordinated by the Heritage Council.

This year is the UN’s 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family and to celebrate the theme of Heritage Week 2014 is

‘Family

?¦ generations exploring heritage together’.

With over 1,600 events scheduled to take place there should be something for everyone to enjoy during the week.

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys said: “As Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I hold the view that the natural and built heritage of Ireland is a national asset of great importance.

“This asset has always made an important contribution to the economic activity of communities at both local and regional level.

“It is important that we continue to appreciate, conserve and protect this great asset we have in Ireland – our heritage.

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Every year the week’s events range from medieval fairs, 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.

Michael Starrett, CEO of the Heritage Council, added:

“National Heritage Week focuses on getting people involved in the heritage of Ireland and particularly the heritage of the local community, making it accessible to everyone.

“We have seen a real shift in people’s interest in the heritage of their places over the past decade and a much greater recognition of the value heritage adds to every community across Ireland.

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Latest figures from the CSO show over 3.4 million overseas visitors travelling to Ireland between January and June this year.

National Heritage Week offers huge opportunities for communities to attract visitors to their area and experience the wealth of heritage, which in many cases remains unknown.

In 2012, National Heritage Week created 10,000 bed nights worth over e1.4m to local economies nationwide.

The diversity and sheer number of events that take place in every county across Ireland is what makes it unique. Many events organised are free of charge and National Heritage sites also offer concession rates during the week itself.

Over 50,000 copies of the National Heritage Week Event Guide will be available in the coming weeks free throughout the country in Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, Libraries, OPW sites, Bus Eireann stations and county council offices.

Complete event listings are also available online on the National Heritage Week website, www.heritageweek.ie.

The National Heritage Week Photography Competition is also inviting people to submit original photographs interpreting the theme of this year’s Heritage Week.

To find out what is happening in your county log on to www.heritageweek.ie or pick up a copy of the Event Guide from your local tourist office or Library.