National Heritage Week 2023 launched
The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, has today launched National Heritage Week 2023, which takes place nationwide from Saturday August 12 to Sunday August 20. A colourful range of events and projects celebrating all aspects of our heritage will take place across the country as communities, families, holiday makers, and people of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to get out and explore their heritage.
Over 1,000 free events and projects have already been registered with that figure expected to reach close to 2,000 before the festivities kick off. The theme for National Heritage Week this year is ‘Living Heritage’ which is defined as the practices, knowledge and skills that have been passed from one generation to the next, and are still in use today. As such, many events and projects will focus on the keeping alive of these crafts and skills, and this year’s launch took place at the workshop of Tom McDonnell and James Collins, two of the last remaining men practicing the dying trade of Traveller tinsmithing.
Some event highlights this year include; Discover Blacksmithing in Limerick where attendees can immerse themselves in a free four-day course and learn the skills of blacksmithing; ‘Genealogy One To One’ in Kilkenny where people can book a private session with a genealogy expert to help unravel their family history; a screening in Donegal of the mesmerising film ‘It’s a Fine Thing to Sing’ featuring Ian Lynch (Lankum), Ye Vagabonds and The Henry Girls arranging and singing six songs from Clonmany and Buncrana singers; Learn how to create a willow basket in Co.Cork in a fun family friendly workshop; and ‘The Fair of Muff’ event in Cavan will re-enact the ancient Celtic festival where visitors can try their hand at fair games like the old “Penny Toss” and “Skittles”.
Anybody interested in hosting an event or a digital project can register it up to the beginning of National Heritage Week on August 12 and even during the week itself right up until the final day on Sunday August 20. They can do so via the Organisers’ Portal on www.heritageweek.ie.
CEO of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said: “Whether we are conscious of it or not, we are all torch holders of our heritage in one way or another and this year’s theme of Living Heritage provides an opportunity to explore this idea further. Anybody who has learned a skill from a family member, who has repeated a story told to them by an ancestor, or even anybody who has played GAA, has played a part in preserving our cultural heritage. Many of the events registered this year will highlight how valuable these traditions are and how richly they contribute to our understanding of who we are as a people.”
Long-time partners Fáilte Ireland has come on board again as a partner in 2023. Mary Stack, Head of Attractions at Fáilte Ireland said: “Ireland’s rich culture and heritage is central to our tourism offering so Fáilte Ireland is pleased to once again support National Heritage Week. By bringing both our living heritage and heritage sites to life through demonstrations, music, re-enactments, tours and talks, National Heritage Week 2023 will create truly memorable experiences for domestic tourists and locals alike across the country.”
The National Lottery and Fáilte Ireland are joined by the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Irish Landmark Trust, and the Local Authority Water Programme as partners of National Heritage Week 2023. 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.