STONE AGE FARM NEARS COMPLETION AT HERITAGE PARK
A NEW ‘Stone Age’ farm is nearing completion at the Irish National Heritage Park Wexford.
The neolithic site, managed by Chris Hayes, is being prepared the way our ancestors did it. ‘We are going to plant early types of wheat,’ said Chris, ‘we also have sourced some neolithic grain from the UK which also will be planted.’
The new farm will compliment the medieval experience of staying overnight in a ringfort or participating in one of the many courses the park is holding this year; blacksmithing, stone carving, bow making.
Guests can stay in the big house in the ringfort wearing old-styled costumes, cooking their own food and drink beer or mead from that period. If you did not feel like cooking, the staff at the Heritage Park will provide you with a big pot of a stew and some delicious homemade brown bread.
Craftswoman Irene Kelly will host numerous workshops on basket weaving, both aimed at newcomers and those with some experience. During the one day workshop you can expect to make small baskets as well as learning about growing, harvesting and storing. The course will begin January 28 starting at 9.30 a.m.
For those interested in blacksmithing, join Guy Urbin as he introduces you to the world of blacksmith. The course will take place, April 15 at 10 a.m., on the sites specific forge where participants will create their own poker, candle holder or a horse shoe.
Mary Reynolds will give a series of varied courses for those interested in gardening. Join her to help build your garden or to simply get a better understanding of the lands own requirements. The first of Mary Reynolds events will start February 25 at 10 a.m. with Deepening your Connection with Nature.
Wexford native, Barbara Kelly, is giving stone carving courses starting May 6 at 10 a.m. After completing her B.A in sculpting, she is now a craft practitioner at the park working with a variety of natural materials.
A two-day bow making course will take place February 18 at 10 a.m. with renowned bow-maker Mike Henderson. Over the two days everyone will learn how to make a bow and the use of bows in hunting and welfare. This course is hands-on as you will shape and form traditional bows and make string from natural raw materials.
Learn the traditional skills of Bodg- ers-skilled woodworkers who used green timber-by taking part in Tommy Kellys woodcarving course. You will learn the art of woodcarving, be supplied with carving tools and a log to carve in. This one-day workshop will start March 11.
If you are interested in any of these medieval courses or need information, please contact the Irish National Heritage Park on 053-9120733.