National Heritage Week features over 80 tours, workshops and experiences

THE Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced its biggest ever programme of events for this year’s National Heritage Week, which is running until Sunday, August 20.

Events at Phoenix Park, Rathfarnham Castle and Dublin Castle are included in the OPW programme, which features more than 80 workshops, talks, tours, demonstrations, and experiences taking place at more than 70 OPW historic sites around the country.

National Heritage Week is an initiative from the Heritage Council, which celebrates Ireland’s natural, built, and cultural heritage.

The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Living Heritage’, which encompasses the rituals, traditions and knowledge passed from generation to generation which over time define a community’s culture and history.

To help make the intangible tangible, many OPW sites are putting Irish rituals, traditions, and crafts at the heart of an 80+-strong event programme, with something for children and adults alike.

Rosemary Collier, OPW Head of Heritage and Capital Works Delivery said: “At OPW, we work all year round to protect the built and natural heritage in our care and to provide the public with access to breathtaking sites, immersive tours and experiences, including historic houses, gardens, castles, and estates.

“This Heritage Week, we look beyond the physical artefacts and structures we preserve to the rich tapestry of rituals, crafts and traditions that tell the story of Ireland’s ancient heritage.

“With ‘living heritage’, the Heritage Council has created a powerful theme to bring the living and lived aspects of heritage to life.

“There is truly something for everyone this National Heritage Week across more than 70 OPW heritage sites nationwide.

“We hope that the public take full advantage of the range of creative, immersive, and imaginative events on offer for all ages.”

Highlights include – Tuck into a ‘Fricassé of Frogs and Cold Claret’, a dining-themed tour of Rathfarnham Castle and leaf-through the 18th century menus of Henry Loftus, based on newfound archaeological evidence; and experience the sombre beauty of the Irish National War Memorial Gardens at a free guided tour.

Visit the exquisite granite pavilions housing Ireland’s Memorial Records, initially published 100 years ago.

If you haven’t checked out the programme yet, learn more HERE.

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