National Heritage Week takes place from 18th – 26th August 2018 with events taking place all over the country, including Sligo. It’s a unique opportunity for everyone to get involved in Ireland’s heritage, learn more about it and preserve it for future generations. There are a number of interesting events happening in South & West Sligo for the week so get the family out to explore cultural and national heritage with a variety of trails, tours and walks.
Enjoy a tour of Temple House as part of National Heritage Week 2018. Opening especially for the week, you are invited to visit this classical Georgian manor and explore the grounds. Roderick and Helena Perceval will talk about its long history and how the estate has adapted to current times. Temple House is set in a private estate of over 1,000 acres, overlooking a 13th century lakeside castle of the Knights Templar. The Perceval family home since 1665, the present manor was redesigned in 1864. Tours will take place on August 21st at 12:30pm and 1:30pm and booking is required.
Carrowkeel Tombs Heritage Trail 19th August 11am – 1pm. This exciting trail begins in an ancient sea canyon with walls that are made of 300 million years old coral reef. You will then trek the mountain path to the 5000-year-old megalithic tombs while enjoying the stunning views along the way. Hiking boots and a good rain jacket are essential, and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. All bookings must be made in advance by emailing sligoseatrails@gmail.com. Adult €5, children go free.
Monasteraden, Neighbourhood Tour 19th August, 2:30pm – 4:30pm, Sligo Field Club, Drury’s Pub, Monasteraden. PJ O’Neill will lead the tour around the sites of St Attracta’s Well, Clougher Stone Fort and Carrowntemple. You will learn of their history and significance to the local area and people. Monasteraden is a village in County Sligo, Ireland. The village is located on the shores of Lough Gara. St Aiden’s church is the village’s church. Other sights include Lough Gara Lodge, Slí na Croí’s Roundhouse Ecolodge, Drury’s pub and the general store. There is a holy well called St Attracta’s and that is where many people used to get their drinking water. The lake is used for fishing and is divided by the bridge at Clooncunny.
Tour of Ballintogher & Surroundings 23rd August, 7pm – 9:30pm with Seamus McCormack. Explore Ballintogher and the surrounding areas on this car-based tour which stops at heritage sites of interest along the way. Visit Kilross Portal Tomb, barrow, graveyard and ruined church. Continue onwards to Cashelore Cashel and Kilerry Church and graveyard to view the ‘straining stones’. The tour will end at Creevelea Abbey on the banks of the Bonet before returning to the car park at Kilross NS. Car pooling is recommended and the tour is free. Contact seamusmccormack2@yahoo.com for more details.
Knoxpark Viking Settlement on the Ballisodare River, 26th August 2pm – 4pm. Scenic Knoxpark has major archaeological significance and a public art trail. It is thought to be the site of a Viking settlement. Discover this amazing site via an expert guided tour, admission is free.
