Heritage Week to delve into the rich culture of West Kerry

PRESENTATIONS on fulachtaí fia and charcoal making in Banóg as well as tours of of the early Christian site at Riasc are among the events that will be held during Heritage Week this year.

National Heritage Week runs from August 20 – 28 and local heritage groups are providing locals and visitors with a glimpse into the rich and fascinating history and heritage of the Dingle Peninsula, with events ranging from lectures to free entry to museums and interpretive centres.

National Heritage Week is all about promoting awareness of our built, natural and cultural heritage The week of nationwide events is coordinated by The Heritage Council and its aim is to build awareness and education about our heritage, thereby encouraging its conservation and preservation. It is part of a wider programme of European heritage days which are celebrated in different European countries which together aim to promote Europe’s common cultural heritage.

Here are some of the events taking place in West kerry. Full details on events taking place nationally are available at http://www.heritageweek.ie

BAILE ‘N FHEIRTÉARAIGH

The Museum in Ballyferriter will host a bilingual exhibition which portrays the fall and rise of the Irish language from the time of the Great Famine through to 1916. Opening hours 10am to5pm.

The Museum will be open with no entry charge on Sunday August 21 and Sunday August 28.

A guided tour of An Riasc monastic site with archaeologist Isabel Bennett (in Irish and/or English, depending on demand) will take place on Tuesday August 23. There will be a tour every half-hour, from 2pm – 4.30pm. Meet at site (near Bric’s Pub). Saor in aisce/Free event.

DUN CHAOIN

In what has all the makings of a unique and memorable event, Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne will celebrate Mass on the Great Blasket 2pm on Sunday, August 21, weather permitting. Should bad weather prevail the Mass will be celebrated in Ionad na Bhlascaoid. Whether the Mass is held there or not, there will be no entry fee to Ionad an Bhlascaoid on Sunday August 21.

LISPOLE

Archaeologist Bruce Sutton will talk about recent discoveries made along the route of the soon to be wider Dingle to Tralee road. The finds include fulachtaí fia and charcoal making in An Bhanóg Theas, and an early medieval farmstead in Baile na Saor Beag. The talk will take place in O’Sullivan’s Pub, Garraí na dTor, Lios Póil, on Tuesday, August 23 at 8pm. Fáilte roimh cách.

Dingle

Patrick Duffy, Emeritus Professor of Geography in Maynooth University will present an illustrated lecture on ‘100 years of the Wild Atlantic Way in National Geographic magazine at Benner’s Hotel on Thursday, August 25 at 8pm.

On Wednesday, August 24, at 1pm An Diseart will host a reading of papers, written in the last 100 years, on the subject of early Irish monasticism. Following on from the talk an introduction to the Dingle History Timeline will be given between 2pm and 4pm and questions answered Both events are free.

On Saturday, August 20, the Diseart building and gardens will be open free of charge. Opening times, 10am – 4.30pm.