This article is from page 8 of the 2008-08-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
OVER 50 events are scheduled to take place around Clare as part of Heritage Week, which takes place from August 24 to 31.
The programme will include a range of talks, field trips and exhibi- tions aimed at encouraging people to take an interest in their local herit- age.
Mayor of Clare Madeleine Taylor- Quinn said that while enjoyment is
essential to the activities of the week it was also reassuring to see the em- phasis on learning that is at the core of Clare Heritage Week.
She paid tribute to the many indi- viduals and community organisa- tions who have decided to partici- pate in and contribute to the week’s activities.
“The council and organisers of the various events are to be commended for encouraging a greater sense of ownership of and respect for Clare’s
unique heritage. Heritage Week has proven to be a wonderful vehicle for raising awareness of the role we all play in conserving and protecting our heritage for future generations,” she said.
Heritage Project Co-ordinator To- mas MacConmara said the event invariably sees an increased engage- ment between the people of Clare and the heritage of their county.
“The strengthening of this connec- tion is imperative to the future health
of our cultural, built and natural her- itage. If it does nothing more, herit- age week performs a very important function in encouraging this relation- ship,’ he added.
This year’s events vary from late night bat walks, a tour of Doolin’s high cliffs and deep caves; a talk on loss of arctic char and changes 1n fish communities in Lickeen Lough; a discussion on the cultural heritage of Miltown Malbay and learning more about Clare’s heritage through the numerous guided walks and lectures taking place around the country and in museums and libraries.
The Clare Biodiversity Group 1s also hosting a series of educational walks outdoors for both adults and ivi elnonmcenony ene
Clare Biodiversity Officer Brigid Barry said that in order to facilitate the needs of families it was decided to hold Heritage Week at the end of August so that parents can participate in the various events with their chil- dren before they return to school.
Heritage week is part of European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union. Locally the event is co-ordi- nated by Clare County Council and the Heritage Council with support from the Department of the Environ- ment, Heritage and Local Govern- ment.