ADVENTURES IN ROUNDWOOD
AN TOCHAR GAA Club in Roundwood will be overrun by some of the counties most adventurous ladies this weekend as the venue hosts the Gaelforce Women’s Adventure Race.
Participants will encounter a 24.5km course, made up of a 3km cycle around the Vartry Reservoir, a pretty flat, almost-10km run around the reservoir, a 0.5km kayak on the Upper Reservoir, an 11km cycle that leads back towards the GAA clubhouse and a short sprint over the finish line.
For those hoping to keep their feet on dry land, there is also the option of skipping the kayak section and taking on a 24km adventure duathlon.
The race itself will start at 11.30 a.m., with registration taking place from 9.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in An Tochar GAA Club. Online entry closes at 3 p.m. this Friday, August 18, but competitors can also sign up on the day for €60.
This race is not suitable for children or teenagers and participants must be at least 18 years of age.
For more information, visit gaelforceevents.com.
around local habitats, pointing out common wild flowers and insects. A local wildlife expert will lead the group on this free nature adventure where everyone can explore.
TOURS OF OLD BURIAL GROUND
Organised by Laillí de Buitléar as part of Heritage Week, this guided tour will highlight the dome-shaped gravestones dating from 1712 to 1800 and which include fine examples of Elizabethan lettering. This free event is not suitable for children.
BUGS, BEES AND POLLINATORS
As part of Heritage Week, Easthill Organic Farm is inviting people to come along and learn more about why bees, bugs and pollinators are vital and essential residents on the farm. A local beekeeper will shed light on the relationship between us and them and explain why they are so important. This free event is suitable for children.
Niamh Lunny, Head of Costume at the Abbey Theatre will deliver this lecture which addresses the collaborative process of designing costumes for the stage and how storytelling is enhanced and supported with costume. This will be an interactive discussion about the use of textile art in theatre. Admission is €6/€5.
As part of Heritage Week, the centre will be hosting three exhibitions at once. Admission is €5.
EXPLORING WICKLOW
Join author and walking and nature enthusiast Seán Ó Súilleabháin as he talks about the best spots in Wicklow for wildlife spotting, walking and berry-picking as well as local history sites. This free, Heritage Week event is not suitable for children.
This free, Heritage Week event will feature local folklore, music and a presentation on the restoration of the union’s workhouse burial grounds. There will be light refreshments and a raffle. This event is not suitable for under 12s.
Organised by Laillí de Buitléar as part of Heritage Week, this guided tour will highlight the dome-shaped gravestones dating from 1712 to 1800 and which include fine examples of Elizabethan lettering. This free event is not suitable for children.
BALTINGLASS HILLFORT TOUR
Surrounding the town of Baltinglass is a concentration of some of the earliest prehistoric fortifications found in Ireland. This free, Heritage Week tour will visit three sites on Tuckmill Hill.
Local resident, teacher and author of ‘Wicklow Bound: a seasonal guide’, Seán Ó Súilleabháin will give a lively and informative talk on local wildlife and nature in the Castle Inn before taking the group on a guided walk around Newcastle Fen Bird Sanctuary. This free, Heritage Week event is suitable for all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult).
HARVEST HOP
Wicklow Wolf brewery is throwing open the gates of its hop farm to host a one-day festival of great music, food and, of course, beer. Acts performing on the day will include Kila, Clash Jam Wallop, Mick Heslin, Scoops and more. Adult tickets cost €35, include a free shuttle to and from the Harbour Bar in Bray and are available from eventbrite.ie. Children
This Heritage Week, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group are inviting people to join them at their guided watches in Bray and Wicklow town as part of All-Ireland Whale Watch Day. These free events are suitable for children.
STORYTELLING IN NATURE
Sit and listen to children’s nature stories in the tranquil setting of Season Park Woods in Newtownmountkennedy. This free, Heritage Week event is suitable for those aged three to ten years and their minders, who are welcome to bring a picnic and go for a stroll afterwards.
TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC
Teddy bears can celebrate Heritage Week too as they join