At the launch of Heritage Week in Mayo were, from left, Tom Gilligan, director of services, Mayo County Council, Councillor Seamus Weir, cathaoirleach, Deirdre Cunningham, heritage officer, and Austin Vaughan, librarian. Photo: Alison Laredo

Lots of events to celebrate Heritage Week in Mayo

TRAVEL back to 1798 and enjoy a weekend of living history, including a military encampment, traditional crafts and skills and traditional entertainment, go whale watching at Annagh Head, learn about the mythology of Ireland’s Old Irish Goat, a native rare breed, take a bus tour to learn about the vernacular heritage of south Mayo. These are just some of the experiences and activities you can take part in during Heritage Week in Mayo.

National Heritage Week takes place from Saturday, August 13, to Sunday, August 21, with a wide range of events taking place all over the county.

To celebrate, people from across Mayo have come together to organise a fantastic programme of events for the week.

Speaking at the launch of Heritage Week in Mayo, Councillor Seamus Weir, cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, said: “Many of the events are run by local community and voluntary groups, to raise awareness and share their pride in the fantastic heritage resources we have in Mayo.”

“With a huge variety of events happening all over the county, most of which are free, there is something for everyone,” said Deirdre Cunningham, Mayo heritage officer. “It’s a great opportunity to get out and explore and enjoy the heritage that is all around us.”

There are activities for all ages, tastes and interests - learn about the old Irish writing system of Ogham Stones, enjoy a guided bog walk, ask a geologist anything you ever wanted to know about our wonderful geological heritage.

This is just a small sample of what is happening during the week.

For full details of all events taking place in Mayo throughout the week see https://www.heritageweek.ie/ or https://www.mayo.ie/heritage.