Make a connection in Cavan this Heritage Week

A foraging exhibition in Ballyconnell, exploring the Lough Oughter Waterways at Cavan Adventure Centre, a children’s art workshop at Lough Sheelin and a lesson in weaving your own bird feeder at Dowra Courthouse are among the many free events taking place across Cavan throughout National Heritage Week 2024, which takes place from Saturday August 17 to Sunday, August 25.

This year’s theme is: ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’ and it’s being coordinated by the Heritage Council in conjunction locally with Cavan County Council.

Other highlights from this year’s programme in the county include: Famine Echoes of Bailieborough at Town Lake Carpark, Bailieborough on August 24 from 3pm-4pm. In the 1940’s, the Folklore Commission gathered interviews from elderly people around Ireland about the Great Famine and on the day, Bailieborough Heritage Society will present these cultural memories, all of which will relate to the surrounding areas. ‘From Fleece to Fabric’ will explore the story of wool through Geopark guides. This will be hosted at Dowra Courthouse on August 23 from 1pm-4pm when there will also be demonstrations of carding, dyeing, spinning and weaving, and an opportunity will be provided to have a go yourself!

Meanwhile, from August 17-25, the ‘Connecting Art and Heritage’ series will highlight stories from Belturbet at the local Heritage Railway Museum. There will also be an Irish language workshop, a history of the great northern railway, a willow craft demonstration and a dusk chorus at the venue.

Kilnaleck Memory Café at Scéal Eile Café will host Savina Donohoe for a cup of tea and conversation about heritage and what it means to the people of Kilnaleck and surrounding areas on August 20 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Those attending are invited to bring an old photograph or memorabilia from olden times to discuss and reminisce about the local heritage.

Cavan’s Heritage Officer Annemarie Ward is encouraging everyone to check out the line-up of events and join in the celebrations.

“There has been great buy-in to this year’s event in every corner of Co Cavan and we are all looking forward to learning more about our local heritage and sharing the knowledge that we have. The whole theme of Heritage Week this year is about engagement and exploration and local people are being given the opportunity to explore the heritage in their area.

“This will provide a feeling of being connected and create a platform to bring people together so they can chat, explore and learn. Throughout the week our speakers will include local experts and local historians, all of whom are very willing to share what they have.”

Heritage Week is an all-island event with many free events taking place in every county, meaning events will be accessible to everybody with an interest in any aspect of heritage. People can easily find events in their locality by visiting https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings and using the search filter to discover events tailored to their interests. New events will be added right up until the start of Heritage Week.

You can also check out the What’s On section and Local News pages of this week's print edition of the Celt for some highlights in your area.

Here are a few of them.

Ballyjamesduff heritage event

WHERE: Cavan County Museum

WHEN: Saturday, August 17 from 2-5pm

WHAT: The 'Ballyjamesduff - Connections, Routes, and Networks!' event highlights the rich heritage of Ballyjamesduff and its vibrant community with captivating talks by John Kelly, a social history enthusiast with deep roots in Ballyjamesduff, Melaine Love, creator of Cavan Old Irish Photos and Sean McBride, proprietor of the beloved McBride’s Pub. They will share insights on social history, the Irish diaspora, and the role of the internet in preserving heritage. An open mic segment invites residents to share their historical stories, fostering community engagement. Ballyjamesduff Heritage Society will present an exclusive exhibition of restored and enlarged photos, offering a unique glimpse into the past. Admission is free.

McCabe Clan Gathering

WHERE: Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell

WHEN: Sunday, August 18, 3-6pm

WHAT: Learn more about the history and heritage of the McCabe name with guest speakers and display of historic material. No cover charge. Refreshments for all. 

Maudabawn Heritage event

WHERE: Gallonray House, Maudebawn

WHEN: Monday, August 19 at 8pm

WHAT: For this year’s Heritage Week Aogan O’Fearghail will give a talk entitled, ‘A story of Continuity and Change’.

Refreshments served, a night for all the family and no cover charge.  Everyone is welcome.

Carrickallen talk

WHERE: Carrickallen Hall

WHEN: Sunday, August 18 from 6–9pm

WHAT: Walk & Talk in the Carrickallen area followed by a talk from Mr. Eugene Markey on the local area. Light refreshments will be served.