Information event on heritage trails project
AS work gathers pace on the Wicklow Trails Heritage Recording Project, an information event for the communities of Woodenbridge, Avoca, Rathdrum and surrounding areas, will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, in the Woodenbridge Hotel.
The Wicklow Trails Heritage Recording Project, which was launched during the summer, is seeking to build a rich database of images, film, audio and text about the nature, history, folklore and archaeology that can be found along the network of walking trails that exist or are in development between Bray and Woodenbridge.
Jointly managed by the Heritage Office of Wicklow County Council and Wicklow Uplands Council, one of the key goals of the project is gather authentic and extensive information on many of the local points of interest.
It is envisaged that this will assist greatly with promoting tourism in the towns and villages along the route and that the information gathered will also add to the Ireland’s Ancient East marketing campaign.
According to Brian Dunne, Coordinator for Wicklow Uplands Council, the trails recording project will work in tandem with new trails to create richer experience for walkers.
‘This project will really compliment the current trails being developed in the east of the county and offer its visitors an opportunity to fully experience and appreciate the rich heritage found along the route,’ he said.
Once completed, the trails project will also form a digital database to serve as a permanent community heritage archive which can be added to as more material becomes available in the years ahead.
The project is also offer- ing training in oral recording techniques and digital archive management.
The involvement of community groups and individuals, whose invaluable knowledge of local folklore and history, is key to the success of the project and the organisers of the event invite all interested parties to attend.
Abarta Heritage, which specialises in community heritage services, have been commissioned to undertake the project and will be present at the meeting to discuss some of the locations found along the trails, including Avondale House and The Meetings of the Waters; the important mining and industrial heritage; as well as the stories of the towns and villages themselves.
Archaeologist Neil Jackman of Abarta Heritage, said that the project is progressing well.
‘The Wicklow Trails Heritage Recording Project is well under way and we have been busy making the most of the good weather over the last couple of weeks, completing the fieldwork aspect of the project. Throughout our work on this project it has become clear to us that not only is Wicklow a beautiful county but it is abundant in history with a story around every corner. As we concentrate on the the areas surrounding Woodenbridge, Avoca and Rathdrum, we very much look forward to discovering the stories from the people of their communities at this upcoming event,’ he said.
The Wicklow Trails Heritage Recording Project is a joint initiative of the Wicklow Uplands Council and Wicklow County Council with funding support from The Heritage Council
For more information on the project, visit www.wicklowuplands.ie and www.countywicklowheritage.org.