Heritage week 2015 (24-29 Aug)
As is customary now, the Church of Ireland is taking part in the annual Heritage Week (24th-29th August). There will be a number of events taking place throughout the week in church and cathedrals, particularly for those with an interest in church history. For more information on Heritage Week go to: http://www.heritageweek.ie
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
Monday 24th August
1.15pm: ‘Christ Church in Context Tour’
Dr Kenneth Milne will offer a guided tour of the cathedral focusing on how the cathedral reflects Irish history (maximum of 20 people)
Wednesday 26th August
1.15pm: ‘1000 Years in One Hour Tour’
Dr. Michael Neill F.S.A., architectural historian will lead a short walking tour of the area revealing 1000 years of Christ Church history (max. of 20 people).
Thursday 27th August
1.15pm: ‘Treasury Tour’
Canon Roy Bryne will discuss some of the exciting artefacts belonging to the cathedral including items such as silver, manuscripts and antiques (max. of 20 people).
1.00pm: ‘Bad King John; better Prince John?’
Dr Howard Clarke, Department of Medieval History, UCD, will deliver a lecture to celebrate the opening of the Christ Church Magna Carta exhibition. This talk takes place in the cathedral Music Room which is not wheelchair accessible.
Saturday 29th August
1.00pm-3.00pm: ‘Medieval Tiles Pottery Workshop’
Local potter Emer O’Sullivan will run a children’s workshop by using the cathedral’s rare medieval floor tiles as inspiration. This is suitable for children aged 7 upwards. All materials and firing provided (max. of 12 children).
Please note that all events are allocated on a first come first served basis on the day.
Please note that all of these events are free but cathedral admission still applies.
St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin
Saturday, 22nd August
7.30pm: ‘A Woman of “Uncommon Genius and Knowledge”‘ with Amy Bunce. An evening talk about Viscountess Ranelagh Katherine Jones, sister of Robert Boyle and co author of many of his scientific discoveries. The event is free and no booking is required
Monday, 24th August
12.00-1.00pm: Free guided tour of the cathedral and its history (no booking required and entrance is free for this hour)
7.30pm: Bridget Harrison will deliver a talk entitled ‘The Life and Career of Archbishop Richard Whately (1787-1863)’
Tuesday, 25th August
12.00-1.00pm: Free guided tour of the cathedral and its history (no booking required and entrance is free for this hour)
7.30pm: Martin Fitzmaurice will present a paper entitle ‘The Fabric of Dublin City: a history of cloth production in the Liberties’
Wednesday, 26th August
12.00-1.00pm: Free guided tour of the cathedral and its history (no booking required and entrance is free for this hour)
7.30pm: Andrew Stokes will talk about the monument of St Patrick’s Cathedral
Thursday, 27th August
12.00-1.00pm: Free guided tour of the cathedral and its history (no booking required and entrance is free for this hour)
7.30pm: Albert Fenton will deliver a talk on the portraits in the deanery of St Patrick’s Cathedral
Friday, 28th August
12.00-1.00pm: Free guided tour of the cathedral and its history (no booking required and entrance is free for this hour)
7.30pm: Eimhin Walsh will present a paper entitled ‘Firmness of Rock: Saint Patrick and his cathedral’
St Audeon’s Church, Dublin
Monday, 24th – Saturday, 29th August
9:30am-4:30pm: There will be guided tours of this historic building sited at the heart of medieval Dublin. View the hidden Portlester Chapel, a medieval laneway and the effigial cenotaph of Lord Portlester and his wife.
1.15pm-1.45pm: There will also be shorter ‘lunchtime’ tours available for the busy worker seeking a break away from the desk and computer!
St Bartholomew’s Church, Dublin
Tuesday, 25th August
7.00pm: Entitled ‘From High Victorian Gothic to Arts and Crafts Design’, there will be a short talk and introduction on the design elements incorporated in Saint Bartholomew’s Church ranging from the ‘high’ Victorian Gothic to the Arts and Crafts movement.
St Ann’s Church, Dublin
Thursday, 27th August
1,30pm: ‘Rare treasures in St Ann’s’ – Art historian Nicola Gordon Bowe (NCAD) will give a talk on internationally renowned Irish stained glass artist, Wilhelmina Geddes, focusing on her unparralleled windows in St Ann’s Church.
St Doulagh’s Church in Balgriffin
Ireland’s oldest stone roofed church still in continuous use will be open with a varied programme for Heritage Week.
Saturday, 22nd August
10.00am-6.00pm: Guided tours and stories
Sunday, 23rd August
2.00pm-7.00pm: Guided tours and stories
Thursday, 27th August
8.00pm-10.00pm: Roger Green from Malahide Historical Society will give a talk entitled “The Four Belcamp and Three St Doulagh’s Houses.
Saturday, 29th August
2.00pm-4.00: Guided tours and storiest
4.15 pm: Ken McAlister will give a talk entitled “The New Church at St Doulagh’s” with tours continuing afterwards until 6.00 pm.
Sunday, 30th August
2.00pm-6.00pm: Guided tours and stories
Admission is free to these events, however donations towards the upkeep and repair of this “Jewel in Fingal’s Crown” are welcome
St Finian’s at Newcastle–Lyons
Sunday, 30th August
The Medieval Church and adjoining Glebe will offer guided tours, children’s activities and a book sale.
Christ Church, Straffan
Saturday, 22nd August
The regular car–boot sale will take place in the morning followed in the afternoon, by guided tours of the Neo–Gothic church, displays by master craftsmen and children’s activities.
Christ Church, Celbridge
Saturday 29th August-Sunday 30th August
There will be a pop–up exhibition on the work of Sir Thomas Drew and S. H. Bolton, the architect and builder of the current church building.
St Luke’s Church, Cork
Saturday, 29th August
2.30pm: ‘Millowners and Paupers: the Parish of St Luke’s, Douglas’. St Luke’s and its graveyard tells the story of Douglas when local mills spinning flax and wool employed hundreds. The poorest, who died in the nearby workhouse, were also part of this parish’s story. This event is free and no booking is required.
St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny
Monday, 24th August
5.00pm: Walking tour of Kilkenny City telling the story of the experiences and actions of many of the people who left the County to participate in WW1 Booking is required. Contact the organiser, Larry Scallan at: jasstephenskk@gmail.com or 087 3875753
St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick
Wednesday, 26th August
6.30pm: Kevin Myers author of Ireland’s Great War gives a talk on the First World War and Limerick’s involvement . This talk runs as part of the Limerick Museum and Archives Stand Up and Fight exhibition.
St Mary’s Church, Waterford
Saturday, 22nd August
1.45pm-5.00pm: ‘Old Fashioned Afternoon Teas’ – Transport yourself back to the 1940’s and take afternoon tea downtown abbey style with homebaked cakes, dainty sandwiches and scones. Meet a local historian who will show you the historic St. Marys. Adults costs €7.50, children go free, cost concession €5. No booking required.
Saturday, 29th August
1.45pm-5.00pm: ‘Old fashioned Afternoon Teas for Charity, History Talk & Brass Band’ – A wonderful experience of history, beautiful cream teas and live music. Historic St. Mary’s has also turned its vestry into a 1940’s tea room replete with bone china cups. An afternoon to remember! This is a free event and no booking is required.
St Mary’s Church, Wexford
Sunday, 23rd August
4.00pm: ‘Organ Fireworks’ – Two organists have fun on the recently tuned organ in St Mary’s Church. It will be organ music to make your toes tap. This is a programme of waltzes, marches and a little bit of jazz. Not your usual Bach. No booking is required for this event.