Heritage Week: packed list of activities in Westmeath

A phenomenal range of events is set to take place in Westmeath for Heritage Week – from walks, to talks, to exhibitions and even some hands-on events where people can try out new things for themselves.

August 12

Hedgerows heritage

From 12 noon to 1.30pm on August 12 at Rampark, Cooksborough, Cloughan (N91 R126), Farming for Nature Ambassador Ger Deegan is hosting ‘Hedgerows – Our Living Heritage’, an event at which ecologist Billy Flynn, who is working on a survey of hedgerows in the north of Westmeath, will outline some of the results emerging from his work, and at which Mark McDowell from Hedgerows Ireland will discuss hedge management including the traditional method of hedge laying.

Visit Killua

Between 10am and 4pm, visit the grounds of Killua Castle (C15 EWF2), which has links to Sir Walter Raleigh and Lawrence of Arabia. The castle, which long lay in ruins, has been fully restored. There will be a food truck on the premises.

August 13

Blacksmithing book

Sadly, Michael Corrigan passed away in February 2020 and did not see his book ‘The Irish Blacksmith, His Trade and Life’ published. Michael’s wife Peggy and son Declan have since completed the work and they are launching the book as part of Heritage Week at Fore Abbey Coffee Shop (N91 TN92) between 2pm and 4.30pm on August 13.

August 14

Station tour

Mullingar Train Station is considered to be one of the finest examples of Victorian railway architecture in Ireland. The station played an important part in the social and economic life of the town for generations. Historian Ruth Illingworth will tell all about it in a tour that begins at 3pm at the main door of the station.

Library yarns

Learn how to make your own yarn from sheep’s wool and local alpaca wool in this wool workshop with Áine at Castlepollard Library from 3.30pm to 5pm. Booking is necessary for this demonstration in which Áine will cover finger spinning; spinning on a drop spindle; spinning on a wheel; the history of spinning in Ireland; and the use of hand spun wool.

August 15

Willow weaving

At Kilbeggan Library, in a free four-hour workshop, beginners can learn the art of traditional willow basket making with Westcountry Willows – it is necessary to book a place.

Walking tour

Mullingar was founded more than 800 years ago and people have lived in the area for around six millennia. Historian Ruth Illingworth will lead a Mullingar town history walk from the tourist office at Market House (3-5pm).

Kilbixy restoration

Currently being undertaken at Kilbixy Graveyard is conservation of the Malone Mausoleum and on August 15 from 12.30pm to 4.30pm, there will be tours of the site and talks by the contractor about the project. It is almost certain that the mausoleum was – like the adjacent Kilbixy Church – designed by James Wyatt.

The whole site is also of great archaeological as well as architectural interest as Kilbixy was a thriving settlement in medieval times, with a port and a stone castle as well as an earlier motte and bailey. It is believed that the castle was at one time used as a hospital for lepers.

All aflutter

‘Getting to know Moths and Butterflies’ is the theme of two events taking place in Castlepollard. There is limited car parking available at the site where the events are happening, so car pooling is being encouraged from the meeting place, which is the Top filling station at Mullingar Road (N91 FK3T). At the first event, at 9am, ecologist Alan Lauderwill open a moth trap to reveal the variety of night-flying moths caught during the night before at Coolure. The moths will be identified prior to release.

At 10.45am, John Alan will lead a guided walk to discover the variety of butterfly species on site.

Cookery demo

In a traditional Irish cooking and baking demonstration in Mullingar Library at 6-7.30pm, Fiona Egan from Cloughan Farm Cookery School will demonstrate traditional Irish cooking and baking giving all her dishes a modern twist. Using the best of local and seasonal ingredients, Fiona will focus on dishes suitable for entertaining friends and family. This is a free event, but booking is required.

August 16

Wild walking on Uisneach

Mary Bulfin – ‘Wildfood Mary’ – is a leading wild food expert with a lifetime of experience observing and learning about nature, food and health. In this walk on the Hill of Uisneach, Mary, who connects people to their places and heritage through exploration, observation and use of wild plants, will open the door not only to edible wild plants, but also to a holistic view of gardening and nature. Listen to stories and legends and you will also enjoy some tastings. Booking is necessary.

Children’s event

A children’s workshop led by Kate Escolin (Tiny Greens) from noon to 1.30pm at Mullingar Library – for which booking is necessary – will show 8-12-year-olds how to create their own biodiversity-themed zine (handmade magazine, or small book).

Heritage crafts

At Seanbhóthar Farm at Lynn, Mullingar (N91 KX5H), a range of heritage craft demonstrations will take place between 2pm and 5pm. Local artisans will demonstrate basket-making, woodturning and leather-working.

Station tour

Mullingar Railway Station has played an important part in the social and economic life of the town for generations. Historian Ruth Illingworth will tell all about it in a tour that begins at 3pm at the main door of the station.

August 17

Scientific stroll

Join Midlands Science on an exploratory walk along one of Mullingar’s little known treats – the High Bank Path. Participants are invited to learn about some of the vital flora and fauna that line the Royal Canal. They can also learn about citizen science and opportunities to engage in citizen science. This event is open to all. The meeting point is Baltrasna Bridge at 2pm.

Fore walls

Did you know that Fore was once a walled town? At Fore Abbey car park at 12 noon on August 17, join archaeologist Eoin Halpin and conservation architect Fergal McNamara for an hour-long walk to explore the historic town and hear about the conservation plan currently being prepared for Fore.

Ardan trail

The story of past, present and future will unfold on a slow walk with the senses underneath the canopy of Ardan Wood, Sonnagh, an ancient native woodland undergoing regeneration, 10am-noon.

Lenihan legacy

At ‘The Lenihan Papers – an Archivist’s Overview’ in Mullingar Library, 5-5.45pm, project archivist Killian Taylor will talk about his work on the Lenihan Archive held by Westmeath Libraries. Some of the material will be on view.

August 18

History walk

Mullingar was founded more than 800 years ago and people have lived in the area for around six millennia. Historian Ruth Illingworth will lead a Mullingar town history walk from the tourist office at Market House, 3-5pm.

August 19

Visit Killua

Between 10am and 4pm, visit the grounds of Killua Castle (C15 EWF2), which has links to Sir Walter Raleigh and Lawrence of Arabia. The castle, which long lay in ruins, has been fully restored. There will be a food truck on the premises.

Falconry demo

Dublin Falconry will be at Belvedere House Gardens and Park, (N91 EF80) with a display of 12 birds of prey from 11am to 4pm. There will be two flying shows during the day. The event is free, as is entrance to the extensive grounds of Belvedere Gardens and Park on the day.

Wild Child

Hightown Forest Camp and Farm at Coralstown has two ‘Wild Child’ sessions offering nature-based crafts, games and activities. There are limited spaces and booking is essential: email grainne.omalley1@gmail.com or call 087 9751702.

Ned Kelly link

The Australian outlaw Ned Kelly murdered three policemen at Stringybark Creek, near Mansfield, Victoria, Australia on October 26, 1878. All three men were born and raised in Ireland, and one of the three was Westmeath man Michael Kennedy, who was born in Tonaghmore, Fore. This talk, at Fore Coffee Shop, between 7pm and 9pm, by author and historian Michael O’Connor, will give Michael Kennedy’s history from his birth in Tonaghmore to his untimely death at Stringybark Creek.

August 20

Scragh Trail

At 2pm from the Scragh Bog Trail Head at Ballynagall on August 20, ecologist George Smith will lead a guided walk around Scragh Bog, explaining about this important wetland site, its flora and fauna and its interesting history.

Fore tour

From 2pm-4pm, Guide Bartle D’Arcy of Monastic Fore will lead a tour of Fore Abbey. Learn about the Seven Wonders, see inside the Anchorites Cell, hear the Life of St Fechin of Fore, learn of Miracles and the White Martyrs and visit the largest Benedictine Abbey Ruins in Ireland.

August 20

Fun day

Milltown River Family Fun Day at Milltownpass GAA Pitch (N91 CTF6), funded by the Community Water Development Fund 2023 and free to attend, kicks off at 2pm. It will include a host of fun activities. The team from Biodivesityinschools.com will be present to host a selection of biodiversity workshops where the kids will learn to make bird feeders from clay, wildflower seedbombs and more.

The Tidy Towns Committee will be on-hand to share information about their ongoing river enhancement project with kick sampling and invertebrate demonstrations to investigate the local water quality. There will be face painting, inflatables for all ages, food, ice cream and much more.

Daily events

Running at Castlepollard library on August 15-25 is an exhibition of historical buildings in the town. The exhibition will feature photos of the built heritage by the NIAH (National Inventory of Architectural Heritage) as well as local history books and resources. A treasure hunt to locate the buildings will be available for children and there will be prizes for winners.

‘Threading the Táin’ is a community, visual arts project, where five tapestries have been created to celebrate the Táin Bó Cúailnge, and an exhibition about the Westmeath tapestry can be viewed daily (12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 August) at Market House in Mullingar. Each tapestry depicts scenes from the great epic that relates to each of the five counties of the Táin story, namely Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath and Louth.

The project was coordinated by a textile artist in each county. The Westmeath coordinator was Claire Delabre and the sewers were Margaret Cunnane, Bridie Scally, Brigid Mayes, Trish Ryding and Paula Sheridan.