National Heritage Week continues at Belvedere, Multyfarnham and Milltownpass
A week-long celebration of our local heritage kicked off last weekend and continues this weekend.
National Heritage Week is an initiative by the Heritage Council. It brings together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts, to build awareness about the value of heritage and support its conservation. The theme of this year’s events is ‘Routes, Connections and Networks, which links to rivers, streams, and waterbodies.
The event is now in its 19th year and has become one of Ireland’s largest cultural events annually.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD, expressed his delight in seeing communities being "brought together" throughout the week.
"The awareness and appreciation of heritage that Heritage Week has been raising over the last 19 years has done wonders for heritage, helping to shape more informed views, to change hearts and minds and to preserve of our incredible resources.
As Minister of State for Heritage, I am privileged to work with on an almost daily basis with the passionate individuals who run events every year and regularly witness first-hand the extraordinary efforts that people make to bring our heritage to life," he said.
There were many events across Westmeath this week, and more this weekend, including the following.
What: Wild Child Scavenger Hunt At Belvedere
When: 24 August, 2-3.30pm
Where: Belvedere House and Gardens
About: The Big Sky Flowers Nature Scavenger Hunt is designed for children, as part of the Wild Child event. As summer transitions into autumn, the Irish countryside bursts with life and colour, making it the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. This scavenger hunt is at Belvedere, where children can immerse themselves in nature’s beauty and discover its hidden treasures.
Along the way, children will learn fascinating facts about local flora and fauna, the importance of biodiversity, and how to respect and protect nature.
What to Bring.
• Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes
• A hat and sunscreen, as well as a rain jacket in case of unpredictable weather
Suitable for children age 6 and over with accompanying parent or guardian.
For further information contact Anna Browne of Big Sky Flowers, 087 2222562 or annambrowne@gmail.com.
What: A history of River Gaine, Multyfarnham
When: August 24, 11am-noon
Where: Abbey Blooms Coffee Shop, The Friary, Multyfarnham
About: A heritage talk on the River Gaine, jointly hosted by Mairead Greene of Multyfarnham Tidy Towns and Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) officer Cathal Flood, who will explore the history of the river and the links with Lough Derravaragh as an area for action with LAWPRO and the important links to water quality locally.
What: Milltown River Family Fun Day
When August 25, 2-5pm
Where: St Joseph’s NS pitch, Milltownpass, N91 D792
About: August 25 is Water Heritage Day 2024 and the local Tidy Towns group host their annual free family fun day to celebrate the Milltown River. The event starts at 2pm and will include fun activities, information about the ongoing river enhancement project with kick sampling and invertebrate demonstrations to investigate local water quality.
There will be arts and crafts, face painting, inflatables for all ages, food, ice cream and more. The event is funded by the Community Water Development Fund 2023 and Westmeath County Council.