Roscrea gets ready to celebrate Heritage Week in style

Fantastic programme of events to enjoy

To coincide with National Heritage Week, which runs from August 16-24, Roscrea Heritage Society together with the OPW and local groups have organised a number of events to celebrate all things heritage.

On this Saturday, August 16, there will be a Black Mills Special in tribute to the late Anthony Bourke with music by Dinny Quirke, Charly Ford and Mick Creagh at the Church Street venue. There is so much interest in the event that it has already sold out.

Another event to enjoy on Saturday will be free guided tours of Roscrea Castle Complex from Damer House, Castle Street. Tours will commence at 10am and will continue throughout the day with last admission at 5.15pm. Further Information: Phone: (0505) 21850 or email: roscreaheritage@opw.ie

A Lego Competition will run from Monday, August 18 to Friday, August 22 at Roscrea Library. The competition is hosted by Roscrea Tourism Committee, with all entries to be submitted to the library. This competition is open to all ages that have an interest in Lego. Your inspiration can be any building/monument/place or a craft that has lived on through generations. Roscrea Heritage Society is delighted to sponsor prizes for this event. For further information phone: (087) 8532987 or email: tourismroscrea@gmail.com

Also on Monday, August 18, there will be a Tour of Stapleton’s Bakery, meeting at the bakery at the bottom of Limerick Street at 11am. Join Joe Stapleton (4th generation baker) for a behind-the-scenes look at how Stapleton’s products are made. Get ready to indulge your senses with the sights and smells of freshly baked bread. Places are limited, and tickets (free of charge) must be booked in advance. Tickets are live on Eventbrite and the tour is suitable for those aged 16 and over.

An Introduction to Natural Materials & Basket Weaving event takes place on Tuesday, August 19, at The Black Mills, Church Street, Roscrea (E53 F652) from 12pm - 3pm. Join highly skilled basket maker, multimedia artist and sculptor Lynn Kirkham as she talks us through the use of natural materials such as willow. Lynn will have some various sized pieces to showcase on the day and will encourage all those attending to try their hand at making a piece such as a headband, wreath or coaster to take home. As places are limited, tickets (free of charge) must be booked in advance on Eventbrite. This event is suitable for those aged 10 and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event has been funded by Tipperary County Council.

A Rambling House session in Roscrea Courthouse takes place also on the Tuesday from 7pm - 10pm. Join Fear an Tí Séamus Moloughney for what promises to be a very enjoyable evening of stories, songs and rhymes from the rare auld times.

A Talk on Vikings and their battle in Roscrea takes place on Wednesday, August 20, at King John’s Tower, Roscrea Castle, at 11am and 3pm. For further information phone: (0505) 21850 or email: roscreaheritage@opw.ie

On that same evening an illustrated presentation on Roscrea’s heritage (1969 - 2017) will be given by the renowned historian and author George in the Courthouse from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. There will be a particular emphasis on the saving and restoration of Damer House. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is by voluntary donation with all proceeds will be presented to Age Friendly Roscrea.

MORE EVENTS

Other events being staged in Roscrea to mark Heritage Week are:

Thursday, August 21: - How a Community Can Enhance and Preserve Its Local History

Venue: The Courthouse, Gaol Rd. Time: 2pm - 4pm.

Sunday, August 24: Dancing at the Crossroads, Knock Village, from 2pm. The committee is delighted to host the Sheaf Throwing Competition again this year, with the winner in the Senior men category taking home the John Russell Perpetual cup.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Following our session during National Heritage Week, the society is delighted to welcome back Martin Delaney Snr for what promises to be a fabulous evening of music at The Black Mills on Friday, August 29, from 8pm to 10pm.

Martin is well known both near and far for his musical talent. For years he has been a familiar face on the pub scene throughout Roscrea and beyond. His repertoire is a mix of folk, ballads, country and traditional. Get ready to be entertained as he shares his talent with us! As seating is limited, tickets (€10) must be purchased in advance via Eventbrite. Tickets are on sale now - bígí linn!