Two free, guided tours of Castleisland will take place on Saturday evening and on Sunday afternoon, August 23rd and 24th as part of the town’s acknowledgement of National Heritage Week 2014. Saturday’s event will take place at 7pm and the Sunday tour will commence at 2pm.
Participants are invited to gather in front of Browne’s Bar – on both occasions – from where local archaeologist and historian, Maggie Prendiville will lead the groups along the streets and down by the River Walk. Along the way she’ll point out buildings and areas of note within the town.
Also on Sunday at 3.30pm there will be a free Traditional Crafts and Customs Display laid on directly after the guided tour. Participants will be invited to Browne’s Bar for a display of traditional basket weaving techniques with Leo Suijkerbuijk.
Leo will discuss the materials used in the craft. He’ll explain the harvesting and gathering of willow and hedgerow materials used in the making of these once vital tools in our ancestors’ fight for survival. If you would like to learn the techniques used for producing circular baskets, eel traps and more, then this is the afternoon for you.
And there’s a lot more: The Killorglin based, Wilma Silvius will also be demonstrating traditional butter making using antique churns and methods. The traditional Irish dash churn will be used during the demonstration. The delicious fresh butter would be of little use without some tasty griddle bread to accompany it.
Local woman, Peggy Reidy will share her traditional bread making recipes. Peggy will be using old baking methods to make the bread and she’ll invite her audience to taste the results!
A traditional music venue with an ever growing reputation, the management at Browne’s Bar have arranged a traditional session to accompany the crafts and customs display.
If you’re interested in some free, family friendly entertainment the invitation is open to to you to come to Castleisland. Here, you can mark National Heritage Week in a meaningful and memorable way.
All events are organised jointly by Castleisland and District Culture and Heritage Society and Browne’s Bar, Castleisland. For further information you’re advised to contact Leo Suijkerbuijk on 087 213 8552.
