Celebration of nature, community and people is central theme.
More than 30 events across Limerick city and county have been confirmed for this year’s National Heritage Week, and more events are expected.
Across the city and county plans are coming together for National Heritage Week 2017 which will take place from 19-27 August. More than 30 events are already registered with the Heritage Council by heritage enthusiasts in Limerick, including Limerick City and County Council, community groups and individuals.
The programme highlights the abundance of great work that is carried out by communities in Ireland to preserve and promote our natural, built and cultural heritage. Most of the events are free so that heritage can be accessed and appreciated by all.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Stephen Keary said: “Limerick has a rich and varied heritage and I would encourage everyone to get out and about and explore during National Heritage Week.”
“Most of the events are free so that heritage can be accessed and appreciated by all including families.”
Niamh Donnellan, Heritage Week Manager with the Heritage Council said: “There are already over 30 Heritage Week events registered in Limerick with something for everyone to enjoy. Take a tour of Griston bog, meet the wild birdlife of Lough Gur or enjoy a dusk nature walk in Bruff. Explore Limerick’s heritage by bike following a riverside trail of churches and organs, or splash into a kayak and see the city from the water. It is not too late to register events as on-line registration in open until early August 2017 on our website.”
All of the events are being organised by local heritage enthusiasts and community groups who have put together a creative programme, including: photographic competitions celebrating capturing the beauty of Limerick’s nature; opportunities to explore nature through sailing, kayaking, and cycling; historical walks, talks, audio trials exploring Bruff, Kilmallock, Griston Bog, and Lough Gur; learn about invasive species, and view historical archives, exhibitions, performances and traditional crafts.
Bernadette Collins Cassidy, Executive Planner with Limerick City and County Council said: “National Heritage week gives people the opportunity to be active, imaginative, or simply listen, observe and appreciate Limerick’s heritage. This year’s theme is Nature and People. The objective is to create awareness of the importance of Limerick’s rich and diverse natural heritage and to think about our interaction with this valuable and at times non-renewable resource.”
“For nine days, we celebrate not only heritage but community involvement and a deep connection between people, place and nature,” she added.
National Heritage Week is co-ordinated by The Heritage Council. The national programme will shine a spotlight on the challenges to our natural environment but also highlight the small changes that we can all make towards conserving it. The week promotes nature conservation and helps people understand how we can protect our endangered species and habitats. It also shows how the work and commitment of local communities can encourage everyone to conserve nature, for themselves and for future generations.
Full details and registration details are available on www.heritageweek.ie, or www.Limerick.ie