Heritage Week 20th - 28th August 2011

Storytelling and Art-Workshop at Brú na Boinne

Saturday 20th August : 15:00 - 16:00

Venue: Brú na Boinne Visitor Centre, Donore, Drogheda, Co. Meath

Andrew Whitson, winner of the 2011 Bisto Honour Award for illustration reads 'An Greasaí Bróg' - The Shoemaker and the Elves. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.

Ledwidge Through The Lens at Brú na Boinne

Saturday 27th August : 17:00 - 18:30 and Sunday 28th August : 09:00 - 18:00

Venue: Brú na Bóinne, Visitor Centre, Donore, Co. Meath

Photography competition that aims to capture the essence of the poetry of Francis Ledwidge through photographic imagery. Winners will be presented with their prizes and the winning photographs along with a selection of entries will be displayed.

The Loghcrew Tatoo - Carpark at Loughcrew Cairns

Sunday 21th August : 15:00 - 17:00

Venue: Carpark at Loughcrew Cairns, Cortown, Oldcastle, Co. Meath

Get a temporary tatoo in a neolithic design. Safe, non-toxic and pain free.

Also free guided tours of Loughcrew Cairn T.

Loughcrew Cairns - Co. Meath

Sunday 28th August : 15:00 - 16:00

'The People behind Ireland's Megalithic tombs' a talk by Dr Jessica Smyth. The Loughcrew Cairns are on top of the highest hills in Co Meath. Learn more about the builders of these wonderful monuments. The climb to the hill top is steep and the grass may be slippery. Please wear sensible shoes and bring a walking stick.

Walking Tour of Trim Town

Sunday 21st August

As part of the Trim Heritage Fun Day there will be Guided Walking tour of Trim town and its gates and walls by local historian Noel French at 4.30pm. Meet at Town Hall, Castle Street, Trim, Co. Meath. Lots of free family events from 2.00pm to 4.30pm at the Castle Car Park, including Castles, Swords, a King, Archery, pig on a stick, magicians, face painting and colouring competition.

Mystery Tour Of Tara

Wednesday 24th August : 19:00 - 20:00

Outdoor walking tour exploring archaeological interpretation, anthropology, folklore and legends with a metaphysical flavour exploring the mystery of Tara. Please wear suitable shoes and clothing. Meet at the entrance gate onto the Hill.

Battle of the Boyne - Battle site Walk

Sunday 21th August : 15:00 - 16:00 and Sunday 28th August : 15:00 - 16:00

Walk lasts for one hour. Assemble at front of Visitor Centre at 2.45. No booking necessary. Weather permitting.

Battle of the Boyne - Living History Displays

Sunday 21st August : 11:00 - 17:00 and Sunday 28th August : 11:00 - 17:00

Dazzling displays of Living History. 15 minute displays every hour from 11am to 5pm. Displays include cavalry and musketry from the time of the Battle of the Boyne. See a baroque horse and learn how it was used in battle. Watch the musketeer load and fire a musket!

Woodland Walk, Willow Sculpting And Children's Storytelling

Sunday 28th August : 15:00 - 17:00

Woodland walk, construction of a wigwam from living willow harvested in Balrath Wood.

Storytelling: Irish Myth for children in the outdoor classroom. All ages welcome.

Duleek Fair Day

Sunday 28th August : 13:00 - 18:00

Stalls on the village green displaying the history of local clubs and associations.

There will also be a re-enactment of an local history.

The Big House: History Of Hilltown House and The Boylan Family

Saturday 27th August : 18:30 - 21:30 and Sunday 28th August : 10:30 - 17:30

Fascinating exhibition at the Old National School, Bellewstown: photos, maps, memorabilia, historical, personal an newspaper accounts of the Boylans and Hilltown Dairy, Bellewstown 1720-1960. Museum of Hilltown memorabilia, dairy and farm machinery; Launch of Book on Hilltown House and the Boylans; Tea and scones.

Resources for Family History in Meath County Archive

Tuesday 23th August : 20:00 - 21:00

At Teach Raithneach Heritage & Cultural Center, Starinagh, Collon

Interested in your family geneology? Find out how you can avail of the extensive Archives in Meath County Library Navan. An illustrated talk by Mr. Tom French Executive Librarian.

Guided Tour Of Historic St. Mary's Church Of Ireland Navan

Sunday 21th August : 15:00 - 16:30 and Wednesday 24th August : 19:30 - 21:00

St. Mary's Church of Irleand has links to Navan Abbey and strong associations with the Beaufort Family.

Its graveyard contains some surprises.

Visit To Drewstown House & Grounds, Fordstown

Sunday 21st August : 15:00 - 17:00

Historical House with developed grounds, Drewstown House, Fordstown, Navan, Co. Meath.

Killua Historic Cemetery & Holy Well, Clonmellon.

Wednesday 24th August : 15:00 - 16:30

Guided visit to Killua historic cemetery and St. Lucy's Holy Well, with renowned curative prosperities

Cruicetown Cemetery, Nobber, Co. Meath.

Tuesday 23th August : 19:30 - 20:30

Visit to 13th Century Church and cemetery, with High Cross and Cruise tombs.

Guilded Walk of Historic Navan

Sunday 28th August : 15:00 - 17:30

Walking tour of historic Navan, led by a local historian.

Family Day At The Boyne Currach Centre

Daily from 20th August to 28th August 10:00 - 17:00.

Boyne Currach Centre, Donore, Co. Meath

Learn about traditional skin currachs. Enjoy tea and trad in our tea rooms. There's kids stuff, story telling and arts and craft. Try your hand at flint knapping, net making, woodcarving and the ancient skills of currach making.

A talk on Dean Anthony Cogan

Author Of "Diocese of Meath: Ancient and Modern"

Wednesday 24th August : 19:30 - 21:00

Venue: Cavan Row Cottages, Chapel Street, Slane, Co. Meath

The talk will be given by Mary McDonnell [relative of Cogan] with an input by other members of the Society. A visit to Cogan's place of birth and his burial place will also take place.

Tour Of Black Friary Archaeology Excavations, Griffin Park, Trim.

Daily from 22th August to 26th August from 15:00 to 16:00.

Take a tour of the research & teaching excavations at the 13th century Dominican Friary, led by Finola O'Carroll of the Irish Archaeology Field School. If you feel like taking a more active part in the excavations, see culturaltourismireland.ie

An Talk on Dunboyne's Architectural Heritage

Tuesday 23th August : 19:00 - 20:00

Venue: Dunboyne Library, Castle View, Dunboyne, Co. Meath.

An illustrated talk on Dunboyne's architectural heritage by Richard McLoughlin (Conservation Architect).

Feis Teamhra: A Turn at Tara - Hill of Tara.

Sunday 28th August : 15:00 - 17:00

Poet Paul Muldoon, author Paul Murray, musicians Susan McKeown, Laoise Kelly &
Aidan Brennan and guests perform at Tara.