7 heritage events to help you fall in love with your local history
By Aura McMenamin
This summer you can become reacquainted with your local history, or fall in love with it for the first time with a number of walks, talks and festivities taking place around South Dublin County.
We've rounded up seven of the best events you can enjoy before the weather cools and kids return to school.
1. Feast Day of St. Chrónáin Mochua - Sunday, August 9th
Last month we saw the grand opening of the Clondalkin Heritage Centre, which details the incredible history of the monastic round tower.
For anyone who wants to learn more about Clondalkin’s ancient history, you can celebrate the monastery in Clondalkin, on the Feast Day of St. Chrónáin Mochua.
This is the third annual walk on the Grand Canal, linking the shared heritage of Clondalkin’s Round Tower and Tea Lane Graveyard in Celbridge, along the ancient Slí Mhór.
The route will begin at the Civic Plaza, 9th Lock Road and will meet walkers from Celbridge at Gulliarstown Bridge.
Registration is from 2:15 to 2:45 pm at the Civic Plaza and will cost €5 per person, in aid of St. John’s Church Restoration Fund. All walkers will receive a Slí passport which will be stamped at junctures along the 14 km route, but there will be an option to walk a shorter route.
2. The Viking Experience – Saturday, August 26th
For anyone who’s a fan of the show Vikings, you might want to check out what the Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Group has in store.
You can get a more immersive experience at the Áras Chrónáin Irish Cultural Centre on Watery Lane. There will be a Viking tent where you can encounter objects and crafts from the Viking era.
3. Heritage Walks around the County
There will be a number of heritage walks taking place over the next two months to help you capture the essence and character of your area:
- Templelogue: August 12th 11am
- Tallaght: August 15th at 7pm
- Rathfarnham Village: August 21st at 7pm
- Newcastle: August 22nd at 11am.
- Palmerstown: September 2nd at 2pm
- Lucan Village: September 7th at 10:30am.
4. Lucan Firework Experience – Friday, September 8th
There’s no better way to wave the summer months goodbye than with a fireworks show. As part of the Lucan Festival in September, locals can enjoy the fireworks at the Liffey Weir, kicking off at 8pm.
5. Tour of Lucan House Grounds – September 9th
Although this sprawling Palladian house is currently being occupied by the Italian ambassador to Ireland, anyone can get a view of the inside next month as part of Lucan Festival.
Mr Giovanni Adorni Braccesi Chiassi will be opening his doors on September 9th. To view the stunning 18th-century house and grounds, tickets will cost €5 for adults, with children under 12 able to go free. The tours will last from 1.30pm -5.00pm, with the last entry at 4.15pm.
6. Massey’s Woods Treasure Hunt
There’s still lots you can do with the kids before the summer ends.
For a more child-friendly heritage trail, you can trek through Massey’s Woods on August 12th and find some hidden treasure along the way.
The treasure hunt commences at the Hellfire Club carpark. Booking is essential and can be done HERE.
7. Faeries and Folklore – 23 August
Here’s another event kids will enjoy. Next month you can see the renowned Eddie Lenihan weave his stories on Irish faeiries in person.
Eddie will be visiting the Clondalkin Round Tower— Brú Chrónáin, Tower Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
