Heritage Week to celebrate rich history in the area
An historical tour of Burncourt Castle will take place on 15th August as part of National Heritage Week
An historical tour of Burncourt Castle will take place on 15th August as part of National Heritage Week.National Heritage Week takes place around the country from August 14th – 22nd and The Avondhu area is well represented, with events in Mitchelstown, Burncourt and Glengarra.
In Burncourt on 15th August, there will be a walking historical tour of Burncourt Castle, run by Ann Gildea of the Ballyporeen Clogheen Burncourt Heritage Group. On the day, Rose Cleary, archeologist, will give a talk on the history and excavation of Burncourt Castle, about 5km outside of Ballyporeen. Ms Cleary has undertaken excavations of East Limerick, particularly Lough Gur. Also on the day, Neil Donovan, local historian, will give a talk on Burncourt and the War of Independence. In nearby Glengarra Woods on 22nd August, it’s a day of rejuvenation and wellbeing with Suaimhneas sna Coillte at Glengarra Mountain Lodge.
The day will incorporate physical and mental wellbeing, with a festival of ‘peace and harmony’ amongst the natural habitats and grounds that lie in the area. Organisers emphasise that this will give visitors a chance to become more familiar with the area and all it has to offer. Morning and afternoon guided walks through the forest are available, with the chance to do gentle yoga. There is guided foraging led by a herbalist, a foraging tutor and local agriculturalists. Finally, self-guided walks are available, guided by either a podcast or a new woodland map, painted by a local artist. The podcast is narrated by local experts and nature enthusiasts. In Saint George’s Arts and Heritage Centre in Mitchelstown, locals will get their first look at the newly restored building on 17th August. Phase One is currently being completed to the tune of €500,000 by the close of 2021. Visitors will get a walk and talk around the 220 year old building, including some details about the conservation and restoration project.
LISMORE
Down West Waterford way in Lismore, there’s a huge variety of events, kicking off with a virtual magical woodland walk around the Ballysaggartmore Towers, where you will learn about the bad landlord, his jealous wife and what happened to the famine victims of his cruelty. Also at the towers, on the 17th, the Lorax will guide visitors young and old around the forest in an outdoor STEM Workshop. Opportunities lie for participants to meet some of its furriest, tallest, leafiest, creepiest and crawliest inhabitants!On the 19th August, there’s fun to be had in Lismore Park, where a series of puzzles and clues need to be solved in order to crack the code, and bring you to your final destination. Can you beat the task master? Finally, Friday, 20th August, there is a tour of the famous St Carthage’s Cathedral for history buffs.Details of all events and booking details can be found on heritageweek.ie