Farms around the country will host a whole range of events for Heritage Week 2017, which runs from tomorrow, Saturday, August 19, through to Sunday, August 27.
In Longford, the GLAS traditional farm scheme will be the focus of an event in Kenagh, on August 20. The gathering will look at the conservation of a traditional farm building from the owner’s perspective. Attendance is by appointment only. Details from: 043-3341124 / 087-2851288.
In Tipperary, ‘Stargazing and Badgers’ will take place on the farm of Ailbhe Gerrard of Brookfield Organic Farm, Kingshill, Ballyscanlan, Coolbawn, Nenagh, on August 23 from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. Admission for adults is €5, with children admitted free. Details from: [email protected].
‘Bugs, Bees and Pollinators’ is the title of an event, also on August 23, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm in Easthill Organic Farm, Easthill, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow. Admission is free. Details from: [email protected].
A guided woodland stroll will be held at Castlewood Organic Farm, Durrow, Co. Laois, on August 24 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. It will be facilitated by farmer Dominic Leonard and local ecologist, Dr Fiona MacGowan. Those interested are asked to note that the event is weather dependent. Admission is free. Contact: [email protected].
A ‘Nature Base Camp’ will run from August 21 to 25, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Season Park Organic Farm Allotments, Co. Wicklow. It is a “fun biodiversity planting, nature and horticultural camp for children and families” according to organisers. The fee for children is €50, and €100 for families. Details: [email protected].
In Roscommon, ‘Farming for Nature’ will be the theme at Mountallen Organic Farm on August 26 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Michael Bell of Nature Learn will lead a nature walk around the farm and highlight interesting wildlife. Admission is free. Email: [email protected].
‘The Quakers from 1668 to 1874’ will be the focus at Ballymurrin Quaker Farmstead, Co. Wicklow, from August 19 to 27. Participants will visit three phases of Quaker farm development from 1668 in a historic landscape setting. Admission is €5 for adults, and €10 for families. For information, phone: 0404-48206.
A west Cork farmyard tour will be held on August 22 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at Top of the Rock Walking Centre. It will be guided by David Ross. Admission free. To book, phone: 086-1735134.
In Wexford, Ballycross nature walk will be held at Ballycross Apple Farm at Bridgetown, on August 20 from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Participation in the nature walk is free, with normal charges applying for entry to Ballycross Apple Farm. Information from: 086-1637199.
Sligo’s First Farmers is the theme of an event at the OPW Carrowmore Visitor Centre, Coolera House, Knockahur, on August 24 from 8:00 to 9:30pm. It will be led by Meriel McClatchie, assistant professor at UCD School of Archaeology. Admission is free. Bookings: 071-9161534.
Muckross House traditional farm will also host lots of activities as part of Heritage Week. For full details on farm and other events for Heritage Week, see the event website.