Heritage Week 2024 in Mayo
Date: 16-08-2024
Dive into the rich linguistic history of Ireland and explore the evolution of the Irish dialect known as Hiberno-English, shaped by centuries of cultural and linguistic changes. Try your hand at panning for gold and grind corn the neolithic way at the Céide Fields; or explore the ancient routes of Croagh Patrick.
With over 70 events happening for Heritage Week in County Mayo, it’s a great opportunity to connect with our built, natural, archaeological and cultural heritage. National Heritage Week takes place from this Saturday 17th August to Sunday 25th August, and most events are free.
“This year’s theme is Connections, Routes, and Networks, and invites us all to explore the links between heritage, people and communities, to look at what brings us together and what connects us” explains Deirdre Cunningham, Mayo Heritage Officer. She added “Heritage Week provides us with a wonderful opportunity to share and celebrate Mayo’s unrivalled built, natural, cultural and archaeological heritage, whether it is going on a guided walk, taking part in a workshop, going to a talk or exhibition, or visiting a local heritage site. We can discover what is on our doorstep and hopefully be inspired to explore and enjoy our heritage all year round”.
Speaking at the launch of Heritage Week in Mayo, Cllr Donna Sheridan, Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, commended the hard work, enthusiasm and passion of all the groups and individuals who have organised events, often on a voluntary basis, and without whom Heritage Week would not happen.
Other highlights of this year’s programme include a talk by meteorologist Joanna Donnelly of Met Éireann and RTE on the science behind weather forecasting in the climate of Ireland; a screening of four mini-films on the lighthouses of Erris; an evening and dawn nature walks on Clogher bog and Belcarra; or join surfer and author Easkey Britton for a special “water” reading in Louisburgh.
This is just a small sample of what is happening during the week. Full details of all events taking place in Mayo are available on the Heritage Week website www.heritageweek.ie, where events can be searched either by county, date or by topic. “Remember to check www.heritageweek.ie for further events and updates throughout the week”, says Deirdre, “and thank you to everyone who has been involved in putting together the many varied events planned during the week. There really is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Coordinated by the Heritage Council since 2005, National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland’s largest cultural events, celebrating Ireland's built, natural and cultural heritage, and aims to raise awareness, appreciation, and preservation of our wonderful heritage resources.
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. Partners of National Heritage Week 2024 include The National Lottery, Fáilte Ireland, the Office of Public Works, the Irish Landmark Trust, and the Local Authority Water Programme.