Heritage Week kicks off across Co Kildare this weekend
A bird's-eye view of Athy
An exploration of medieval Athy, the hidden gems and the forgotten people of Clane, and a nature walk with Dúlra Cill Dara are among the many free events taking place across Kildare during National Heritage Week 2024, from Saturday 17 to Sunday 25 August.
Local heritage groups and organisers, families, communities and individuals in Kildare have responded to this year’s theme of ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’ by organising events showcasing the best of what Kildare’s local heritage has to offer.
Well over 2,000 events will take place nationwide with a full list available on the National Heritage Week website.
Coordinated by the Heritage Council, highlights from this year’s National Heritage Week programme in Kildare include:
Walking Tour of Medieval Athy (22 August, 2-3.30pm) – Join Mark Guernon on a tour of medieval Athy. The Athy we see today is only the current face of an ancient place. The town always was important on the Barrow River, first as a ford, then as a place of religious houses and in one part of its story, as a walled town.
‘Painting with Paper’ collage and mixed media workshop for children, Naas Library and Cultural Centre (20 August, 2-3pm) – join artist Liza Kavanagh for some drawing, sticking and cutting fun as she explores making streetscape pictures with a range of papers and fabrics.
The Legacy of Kathleen Londsdale, Charlotte House, Newbridge (19-23 August, 12-3pm). Newbridge Business Centre is honouring its most famous resident, the pioneering Irish scientist Dame Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971), with an exhibition celebrating her life and significant contribution to the science community.
Tunnels from Tintown, at Harbor View, Naas (22 August, 11.30am-12.30 pm) – a short presentation will explore the connections, networks and routes that played a part in the story of the Curragh Internment Camps.
Walk and talk along the banks of the Grand Canal at Allenwood, starting at the picnic area by the petrol station in Allenwood (19 August, 6.30-7.45pm) – enjoy a guided walk along the Grand Canal at Allenwood towards Lowton exploring the history and biodiversity of this route travelled.
Forest School Wild Child Day, Donadea (24 August, 10am-3pm) – Growing Wild are hosting a ‘Day in the Wild’ for children ages 5-13 years old. Based at Donadea, Co Kildare, the children will get a chance to experience a Forest School themed session, which allows children connect to nature through child led play.
“Many of the events are volunteer led, organised by dedicated people who seek no recompense or adulation,” said Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council.
“We must never take these people for granted and I will continue unapologetically to mention them at every opportunity, such is their importance not only to National Heritage Week, but to the preservation of Irish heritage in general.” Two themed days will take place during National Heritage Week. On Saturday 24 August, Wild Child Day encourages children and families to explore the heritage in their locality. On Sunday 25 August, the Heritage Council and the Local Authority Waters Programme invite people to explore National Heritage Week projects that celebrate water and our connections with it.
