National Heritage Week 2023 takes place from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 August. A colourful range of events and projects celebrating all aspects of our heritage will take place across the County and everyone is being encouraged to get out and explore their heritage.
The theme for National Heritage Week this year is 'Living Heritage' which is defined as the practices, knowledge, and skills that have been passed from one generation to the next and are still in use today. Many events focus on keeping these crafts and skills alive.
There are 50 events planned in Westmeath. Some highlights of this year’s programme include a day of free admission to Athlone Castle which will host a medieval town market with demonstrations of traditional skills and crafts (Wednesday 16 August), a falconry demonstration and free entrance to Belvedere Gardens and Park (Saturday 19 August), craft demonstrations in Lynn (Wednesday 16 August), lacemaking workshops in Athlone and Kilbeggan Libraries, a spinning workshop in Castlepollard Library, a photographic exhibition by those involved in the Westmeath Wrought Iron Recording Gates Project and a blacksmithing demonstration at An Teach Ceoil, Dun na Sí (Saturday 19 August), there will also be a chance to hear about conservation works to the Malone Mausoleum in Kilbixy (Tuesday 15 August). These events are just a few examples of what is on offer around the County during Heritage Week. Most events are free of charge, and some (such as the craft workshops) require registration in advance.
All event details are available on the Heritage Week website heritageweek.ie and the list of events can be searched either by county or by topic. The Heritage Week website also includes a series of projects which can be explored online. The printed guide to Heritage Week events in Westmeath is available from library branches and heritage venues across the County. “Remember to check the Heritage Week website; heritageweek.ie for further events and updates”, says Heritage Officer Melanie McQuade. “Thanks to everyone who has been involved in putting together 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 aiming to generate awareness, appreciation, and preservation of our wonderful resources.
The partners of National Heritage Week 2023 are The National Lottery, Fáilte Ireland, the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Irish Landmark Trust, and the Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO). 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.
Queries regarding Heritage Week in Westmeath can be directed to heritage@westmeathcoco.ie
Melanie McQuade Heritage Officer 087 607 4496
Content Last Updated/Reviewed: 03/08/2023
