Info day on historic graveyards includes talks at Annebrook and field trips to local sites

Ireland has always had a fascinating relationship with death and how we celebrate the dead, and there are countless cemeteries across the county that have become the final resting places for people from all walks of life.

There’s something grounding walking among the dead; to acknowledge the volumes of stories held within those spaces can give us a greater appreciation and lust for our own lives.

There are various graveyards in Westmeath to learn about our long history of death and the many traditions – and even turns of phrase – born from the ceremony of death.

The Heritage Office in Westmeath County Council have organised an information day for history gurus or for those interested in local lives from the past, scheduled to take place on June 22.

The day will commence with refreshments at 10am in the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar. Presentations will commence at 10.30am with archaeologist Caimin O’Brien from the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage followed by ecologist Donna Mullen.

The speakers will discuss what you need to know about the legislation concerning historic graveyards, protected species and habitats and will advise on the practicalities of how best to care for historic graveyards.

A light lunch will be provided in the hotel and will be followed by a field trip to three graveyards to look at issues on the ground.

Caimin O’Brien and Donna Mullen will lead the field trip in the afternoon and will be on hand to answer any queries that may arise. It is possible to attend the morning session and stay for lunch without going on the field trip.

Parking is available at the hotel and a bus will take the group to the graveyards and will return to the hotel by 5pm.

All are welcome to attend the information session and/or the field trip on June 22. With thanks to funding from the Heritage Council and support from Westmeath County Council, admission to the event is free of charge.

To book your place contact Melanie McQuade, heritage officer, Westmeath County Council, 044 9332098 or heritage@westmeathcoco.ie.

There will be limited spaces on the bus for the field trip so preference will be given to those who can attend the full day and bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.