Heritage Week 2019



Heritage Week already! It feels like we've only just finished cleaning up craft supplies and tea lights after last year's events when it's time to get ready again. 

This year National Heritage Week runs from 17-25 August with events literally in every county. The Irish Workhouse Centre has lots to offer with children's workshops, a Gaeilge Day and loads of free talks. 



The theme this year is Pastimes & Past Times, exploring the links between history and hobbies. On Saturday 17th bring the kids to a craft session called 'Communicating in the Past'. The session is on at Portumna workhouse and run by local artist Paula Byrne (cost 2 euro per child & booking essential). Let the whole family explore the link between the ancient Irish alphabet called Ogham and Celtic tree-lore. For instance, did you know that we all have a tree linked to our name? Each child will craft their own special book mark to bring home. Start time is 12 o'clock. Call 0909759200 for more info or to book a place. 


Another highlight will be a talk by local historian David Broderick revealing the fact that there was an earlier workhouse in Portumna! Talk is free on Thursday 22nd, 7-8pm. This will be a great chance to hear David speak before his big book launch on September 20th about a workhouse mystery that has haunted Portumna since 1865. Follow all his news on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Book/Finding-Ogle-2363529127045516/



Events at The Irish Workhouse Centre

Communicating in the Past (€2 per Child)
Children’s Craft Event
Sat 17th 12:00pm -1:30pm Tel: 0909759200
Must Book 

Behind the Scenes at the Irish Workhouse Museum (Free)
Open up our museum cases 
Sun 18th 1-2pm 

Lá Gaeilge (Free)
Guided tour 'as gaeilge'
Mon 19th 11:30am – 15:30pm


Life and Death in the Workhouse (Free)
Meet the inmates of the workhouse
Tues 20th 1-2pm 

Wild Flower Workshop (€2 per Child)
Children’s Event
Wed 21st 1-2pm Tel: 0909759200
Must Book
Portumna Temporary Famine Workhouse (Free)
Talk on Portumna's 1st workhouse
Thursday 22nd 7-8pm
The Workhouse Cookbook (Free)
Talk on workhouse food
Fri 23th 1-2pm

Please note that on Sunday the 25th we will be giving free hourly tours from 10am to 3pm. 

Author: Elizabeth Carter

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