FANTASTIC LINE-UP OF EVENTS FOR HERITAGE WEEK
From August 20 to August 28, more than 60 events will take place around the county as part of Heritage Week, with the aim of building awareness and educating people about Ireland’s heritage and encouraging conservation and preservation. We look at what’s
St Saviour’s Church
Designed by noted English church architect Sir Arthur W. Blomfield, the gift of fifth Earl of Carysfort William Prob, in memory of his parents, brothers and sisters. Begun May 1897, opened August 21, 1899, Venue: Arklow, Saviour’s Church Organiser: Arklow Maritime and Marine Heritage Email jennifermjkavangh@gmail.com. Telephone 085 8183392. Booking Required: No Dates: August 22 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 23 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 24 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 25 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 26 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 27 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 28 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Glendalough: Tours of Archaeological Excavation
Guided tour of the UCD excavations at the Glendalough Monastic Complex. (Event facilitated by the Glendalough Heritage Forum) Email graeme.warren@ucd.ie. Telephone 01 7168613. Booking Required: No Dates: August 22 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., August 23 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., August 24 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., August 25 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., August 26 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., August 27 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Tours of Glendalough Graveyard Trail
Guided tours of the new Glendalough Graveyard Trail created by the Glendalough Heritage Forum community graveyard survey team and featuring some of the most interesting grave markers on site. Venue: Glendalough (meet at round tower) Organiser: Glendalough Heritage Forum Email glendaloughheritageforum@gmail.com. Telephone 01 7168613. Booking Required: No Dates: August 22 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 23 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 24 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 25 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 26 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 27 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Church of Saints Mary and Peter
The church dates from 1861 and there is a mosaic inside the front door. Venue: Church of Saints Mary and Peter Organiser: Arklow Maritime and Marine Heritage Email jennifermjkavangh@gmail.com. Telephone 085 8183392. Booking Required: No Dates: August 22 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guided Tours of Mount Usher Gardens.
Admission charge applies but includes a free guided tour of one of Ireland’s best gardens. A great way to understand how Mount Usher has been organically managed for over 30 years. Booking essential. Venue: Mount Usher Gardens Cost Adult: €7.50. Cost Concession: €6.50 Organiser: Mount Usher Gardens Email info@mountushergardens.ie. Telephone 0404 40205. Website: mountushergardens.ie. Booking Required: Yes Dates: August 23 10:30 a.m. to Midday, August 23 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Arklow Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum Arklow is a treasure trove of shipbuilders’ models, half models, plans and a unique collection of eight paintings of Arklow sailing ships. Venue: Arklow Maritime Museum Cost Adult: €5. Cost Child: €2. Cost Concession: €2 OAP Organiser: Arklow Maritime and Marine Heritage Email arklowmaritimemuseum@gmail.com. Booking Required: Yes Dates: August 23 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 24 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 25 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 26 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 27 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Arklow Methodist Church
Detached five-bay single-storey gableended Gothic style Methodist church, built c.1860. Well preserved midVictorian Gothic style Methodist church. enue: Arklow Methodist Church Organiser: Arklow Maritime and Marine Heritage Email jennifermjkavangh@gmail.com. Telephone 085 8183392. Booking Required: No Dates: August 24 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Open day at Wicklow Head Lighthouse
An opportunity to see the conservation work of Irish Landmark Trust. Imagine life as a lighthouse keeper on your self-guided tour of this restored C18th lighthouse now run as holiday accommodation. Venue: Wicklow Head Lighthouse Organiser: Irish Landmark Trust Email caroline@irishlandmark.com. Telephone 016704733. Website: irishlandmark.com. Booking Required: No Dates: August 28 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Calary Church and Darby’s Pulpit
Early 19th century church that includes the pulpit used by John Nelson Darby, one of the founders of the Plymouth Brethren. The church is still in active use. Free guided tours available. Venue: Calary Church Organiser: Calary Church of Ireland Email derekneilson@eircom.net. Telephone 086 8319457. Booking Required: No Dates: August 28 Midday to 5 p.m.
Walking Tour of Bray Re 1916-1921
The walking tour will trace the history of the 1916-1921 period in Bray. Starting at St Peter’s Graveyard in Little Bray and finishing at the Railway Station.(Daly Station). Venue: St Peter’s Graveyard, Little Bray Organiser: Bray Cualann Historical Society, Brian White Email brayhistory@gmail.com. Telephone 0035 3872309185. Booking Required: No Dates: August 20 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., August 22 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Garden Walks
The garden at Kockanree reflects its creator Harold Clarke’s idea that one should never know what to expect around the next corner. One and half Hectares. This is a garden to wander in. Venue: Knockanree Gardens Avoca Cost Adult: € 5.00 Cost Concession: € 4.50 Group of 10 Organiser: Knockanree Gardens Telephone 086 8629239. Booking Required: No Dates: August 20 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., August 21 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., August 22 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., August 23 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., August 24 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., August 25 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., August 26 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., August 27 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., August 28 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
A self-guided walk along the Macreddin Mile
A self-guided walk along the Macreddin Village Mile tells the historical story of landmarks, plants and wildlife. Venue: BrookLodge and Macreddin Village Organiser: BrookLodge and Macreddin Village, Co. Wicklow Email info@brooklodge.com. Telephone 0402 36444. Website: brooklodge.com. Booking Required: No Dates: August 20 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 21 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 22 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 23 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 24 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 25 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 26 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 27 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 28 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Self-guided Walk on Glenmalure ‘Pure’ Miles
Self-guiding information leaflets available at Glenmalure Lodge Hotel will introduce you to the History, Culture and Biodiversity of the valley of Glenmalure (winner of ‘Pure’ competition 2015) Venue: Glenmalure Lodge Hotel Organiser: Glenmalure Pure Mile Committee Email glenmalurelodge@yahoo.com. Telephone 0404 46188. Booking Required: No Dates: August 20 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 21 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 22 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 23 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 24 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 25 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 26 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 27 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., August 28 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Glenmalure Valley History Walk A walk and talk event with local author Carmel O’Toole; Glenmalure is famous as a rebel stronghold, for its dramatic scenery and its rich mining heritage. Venue: Glenmalure Lodge Organiser: Mountaineering Ireland Email helen@mountaineering.ie. Telephone 01 6251115. Website: mountaineering.ie. Booking Required: Yes Dates: August 20 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Delgany Heritage Trail Self-guided trail. Leaflets and instructions available at Old burial Ground. Can also be downloaded at delganyheritagevillage.com. trail covers several sites and scenic views. Venue: Old Burial Ground Organiser: David Walsh/ Delgany Community Council Email walshdj51@gmail.com. Telephone 012872507. Website: delganyheritagevillage.com. Booking Required: No Dates: August 21 Midday to 2 p.m., August 25 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., August 28 Midday to 2 p.m. Cliff Walk Wicklow Town Magnificent scenery and the ruins of an old penal church and lime kiln. Panoramic views of the coast. Seals are a common sight. Walk is not suitable for buggies and very small children due to cliffs. Venue: Glen Turn Carpark Organiser: Friends of the Murrough Email friendsofthemurrough@gmail.com. Telephone 087 9473072. Website: friendsofthemurrough.com.
Booking Required: No Dates: August 21 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Disappearing Avoca Copper Mines Walk and talk along the path where thousands of men, women and children laboured above and below ground in the terrible conditions of a Victorian Copper mine. Venue: East Avoca Mines at White Bridge Organiser: Nick Coy Email nickcoy@eircom.net. Telephone 086 3706731. Booking Required: No Dates: August 21 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guided Walk Guided walks around Kilmacurragh looking at the history of the estate, some of our fine old plants and the exciting and colourful new planting. Venue: National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh car park Organiser: National Botanic Gardens of Ireland Email botanicgardens@opw.ie. Telephone 0404 48844. Booking Required: No Dates: August 22 Midday to 1 p.m., August 22 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 23 Midday to 1 p.m., August 23 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 24 Midday to 1 p.m., August 24 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 25 Midday to 1 p.m., August 25 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 26 Midday to 1 p.m., August 26 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Natural and Built Heritage Walk and Talk on the Avonmore Way Guided nature walk with Eleanor Sutherland, NPWS, along 5km of the newly established Avonmore Way, followed by a talk on the built heritage around Clara Vale Church by architect and author Pat Dargan. Venue: The Avonmore Way, Clara Vale Church Organiser: Wicklow Uplands Council Email info@wicklowuplands.ie. Telephone 012818406. Website: wicklowuplands.ie. Booking Required: Yes Dates: August 23 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bat Walk Evening Guided bat walk. Sensible footwear is advised as the ground is uneven. Wearing a jacket or sweater is also advised. It is not recommended to bring the family pet. Venue: Arklow Bay Hotel Organiser: Arklow Maritime and Marine Heritage Email jennifermjkavangh@gmail.com. Telephone 085 8183392. Booking Required: No Dates: August 23 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Old Kilbride Grave Yard, Pyramid Old Kilbride Cemetery was mainly used during the 1700s. More than 500 people buried in the cemetery. Pyramid tomb and mausoleum dating from 1780s. Sensible footwear recommended. Pets not recommended. Venue: Old Kilbride Cemetery Organiser: Arklow Maritime and Marine Heritage Email jennifermjkavangh@gmail.com. Telephone 085 8183392. Booking Required: No Dates: August 24 9 a.m. to 6 p.m St Kevin’s Way Pilgrim Path An 11 km medium-difficulty walk along the ancient pilgrim path to Glendalough, passing through glorious landscape and the miners’ village. €5 for the bus to the starting point at Ballinagee. Venue: Meet Glendalough car park outside Visitors Centre Cost Adult: €5 for bus Organiser: Friends of St Kevin s Way Email eilokinch@hotmail.com. Telephone 086 8594333. Website: pilgrimpath.ie/pilgrimpaths-day/st-kevins-way-wicklow/ Booking Required: Yes Dates: August 27 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guided Walk: Kilmacurragh in 1916. This walk will sketch a portrait of Kilmacurragh in 1916, look at the plants from that time, trace the slide into obscurity, the rennaissance that followed and look at how far we have come since then. Venue: National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, car park Organiser: National Botanic Gardens of Ireland Email botanicgardens@opw.ie. Telephone 0404 48844. Booking Required: No Dates: August 27 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., August 28 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Exploring the wildlife and habitats of ECNR A guided walk through Bird Watch Ireland’s East Coast Nature Reserve discovering the variety of wildlife to be found among the grassland, woodland and fen habitats Venue: Sea Road, Newcastle Organiser: Bird Watch Ireland Email info@birdwatchireland.ie. Telephone 012819878. Booking Required: No Dates: August 24 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pat Kavanagh Broadlough Memorial Loop Walk Explore the beautiful Broadlough Nature Reserve and Murrough Coastline. Bring binoculars; you never know what bird you might spot in this Special Area of Conservation. Venue: Murrough Carpark Organiser: Friends of the Murrough Email friendsofthemurrough@gmail.com Telephone 087 9473072. Website: friendsofthemurrough.com. Booking Required: No Dates: August 28 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Heritage Walk The walk begins at the Community Centre at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, August 28, Climbing over the right of way to Church Lane and Ballyvolan. At the castle, there will be talks by a variety of speakers. Venue: Community Centre, Newcastle Organiser: Newcastle Residents’ Association Email info@newcastlewicklow.ie. Telephone 087 2381060 Website: newcastlewicklow.ie. Booking Required: No Dates: August 28 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. A Celebration of Irish Wool: A demonstration on wool grading and skirting of fleece By Sue Blacker, Natural fibre company of Cornwall. Demonstration on wool grading and skirting of fleece. Venue: The Courthouse Arts Centre Tinahely Cost Adult: €20 per day Organiser: The Courthouse Arts Centre Email bookings@courthousearts.ie. Telephone 0402 38529. Website: courthousearts.ie. Booking Required: Yes Dates: August 22 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., August 23 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Celebration of Irish Wool: Arklow, Crochet Demonstration Julie New: Arklow, crochet demonstration. Venue: The Courthouse Arts Centre Cost Adult: €10 Organiser: The Courthouse Arts Centre Email bookings@courthousearts.ie. Telephone 0402 38529. Website: courthousearts.ie. Booking Required: Yes Dates: August 24 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A Celebration of Irish Wool: Fair isle knitting A demonstration of Fair Isle knotting by Alison Gutherie at the Courthouse Arts Centre. Venue: The Courthouse Arts Centre Cost Adult: €10 Organiser: The Courthouse Arts Centre Email bookings@courthousearts.ie. Telephone 0402 38529. Website: courthousearts.ie. Booking Required: Yes Dates: August 25 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A Celebration of Irish Wool: 1798 Spinners 1798 Spinners. Members of the Irish Guild of weavers, spinners and Dyers. Marlyn Wayed: Lace knitting and Wool blending. Steph O’Conor: Drop spindle and Navaho spinning and sock knitting. Venue: The Courthouse Arts Centre Cost Adult: €10 Organiser: The Courthouse Arts Centre Email bookings@courthousearts.ie. Telephone 0402 38529. Website: courthousearts.ie. Booking Required: Yes Dates: August 26 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.