Are you involved with a project which promotes the heritage of Kildare? If so why not take part in Heritage Week by hosting an event in your area?

What is Heritage Week?
It’s a week long celebration of who we are and where we’ve come from. Heritage Week is co-ordinated by the Heritage Council, and every community in Ireland is invited to take part, by organising an event to help build awareness of our built, natural and cultural heritage thereby encouraging its conservation and
preservation. The main aim of heritage week is to promote awareness of our built, natural and cultural heritage thereby encouraging its conservation and preservation, and to promote Europe's common cultural heritage and to foster mutual understanding.

How to participate?
There are many ways to take part in Heritage Week, how about organising a guided walk of the historical sites in your locality, or organising a “living history” display, exhibition or even a music recital! How about a night-time bat walk, a wildlife tour of your locality. Events can be held in a variety of locations, the Riverside Park, woodlands, wildlife reserves such as Pollardstown Fen, in schools, libraries or in your local residential estate. There are plenty of people available locally who could give a talk on local heritage, the local historical group, wildlife experts etc.

Why a Water Heritage Day?
Water – our rivers and lakes are of particular importance to our heritage, therefore Water Heritage Day is designed to celebrate all aspects of water, from its use as a leisure resource (canoeing, swimming, fishing) to its importance as a haven for wildlife and aquatic insects. Many rivers and lakes also contribute to local folklore, are the initial reason why towns were initially built.

Why get involved
Heritage Week / Water Heritage Day cannot succeed without the participation of the Local Community, be that as part of a Club or Association or as individuals. So please participate and organise an event for Heritage Week / Water Heritage Day in 2007. In addition generally many heritage sites and stately homes will offer free admission or special concessions during this celebration of Irish Heritage.

More Information?
Kildare County Councils Heritage Officer Bridget Loughlin will be compiling a list of Heritage Events which will be published on a leaflet and on Kildare County Councils Heritage, so please forward details of any planned events to Bridget Loughlin at Email: KCC Heritage Officer

Heritage Week / Water Heritage Day information can be accessed at Web: www.heritageweek.ie

Also call the Heritage Council at 1850 200 878