AUGUST 2006

Heritage Week for County Donegal

Heritage Week takes place from Saturday 26th August until Sunday 3rd September. Since 1991 European countries celebrate their heritage over the course of European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union.

Heritage Week is coordinated by The Heritage Council in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and Local Authority Heritage Officers. Over 600 events are taking place across the country throughout the week. "The main aim of 'Heritage Week' is to raise awareness of our natural, built and cultural heritage and to encourage its conservation and preservation," explained Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer. "Heritage Week provides an opportunity to celebrate our Irish heritage and our shared European Heritage."

There are over 60 events taking place across County Donegal in recognition of Heritage Week and most of them are free. The Cultural Services Division of Donegal County Council has organised over 20 free events including an illustrated presentation and exhibition on Bundoran's railways; a lecture on 'The Life & Times of Michael Davitt' at the County Museum; a display of William Lawrence photographs in Letterkenny; a talk on the place names of Inishowen in Buncrana; a heritage table quiz in Carndonagh; a half day seminar on the care and conservation of archives and artefacts in Stranorlar; archival displays in Dungloe and Donegal Town; and photographic exhibitions and competitions in Milford and Ramelton.

Glenveagh National Park has a full programme of weekend events including nature walks, garden tours, displays, tradition music and children's entertainment. Other events include guided tours of Glencolmcille, Ballyshannon, Clonmany and Rathmullan; a field day orgainsed by the Donegal Historical Society; field trips to Croaghbeg Court tomb and cairn, and St. Cartha's church and graveyard by the Kilcar Tourism Committee; wildlife talks in Dunree and Raphoe; a visit to An Coillte blanket bog project by An Taisce; an open day at the Workhouse in Dunfanaghy; free family history consultation and advice by Donegal Ancestry in Ramelton; and guided forest walks in Drumboe Woods.

The County Donegal Heritage Office has produced a free booklet of 'Heritage Week' events in County Donegal. Copies of the brochure are available at central, regional and branch libraries, public services centres, museums, heritage centres and the County Donegal Heritage Office. It can also be consulted on-line at: www.donegalcoco.ie

A countrywide guide of 'Heritage Week' events produced by The Heritage Council is also available. It can be viewed on-line at: www.heritageweek.ie

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