Much of our heritage is enjoyed by tourists, but next week is our own chance to celebrate it, with special events and reduced prices. Rosita Boland reports
CARLOW
Weaver's Cottages
There will be demonstrations of weaving, buttermaking and other traditional crafts in restored heritage cottages.
Clongeal
September 7th to 8th, from 11 a.m. Tel:
054-77575
CLARE
Bridges of Ross
Birdwatching on the west coast of Clare, with shearwaters, petrels and Sabine's Gulls promised. Bring wet-weather gear and lunch.
Bridges of Ross carpark
September 7th, 9 a.m. Tel: 061-476885/
065-6822145
Loop Head Lightkeeper's House
A new addition to Heritage Week and to the Landmark Trust which administers it; guided tour of recently-restored lighthouse.
Loop Head Lighthouse, near Kilkee
September 4th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tel: 01-
6704733
CORK
Conna
To find out the secret venue for this night of storytelling and traditional folklore, you need to phone ahead and find out where the meeting point will be.
Conna
September 6th, 8 p.m. 025-33411
The Mass Rock, Farahy
In Penal times, Mass was famously celebrated at a series of Mass rocks, secreted around the country. To remind us of our past, Mass will be celebrated at the Farahy Mass rock, followed by an exhibition of historical photographs nearby.
Farahy, Kildorrery
September 22nd, Mass 7.30 p.m. Tel:
022-25777/022-25664
DUBLIN
You could argue food is part of our heritage, and the development of the cheese industry in recent years is a marvel. The Alliance Française, with Sheridan's Cheesemongers and French wine merchants MDV, offers evenings of wine and cheese-tasting,
Alliance Française, Kildare Street
September 2nd and 6th, 7 p.m.
Booking essential. €5. Tel: 01-6761732
Richmond Barracks, Inchicore
An opportunity to visit the gymnasium of the old Richmond Barracks, followed by a guided tour of Goldenbridge Cemetery where former President W.T. Cosgrave is interred.
St Michael's Church, Emmet Road, Inchicore
September 1st, 3 p.m. and September 3rd, 7 p.m. (by appointment). Tel: 01-6755111
9 Merchant's Quay
This 18th-century house has been restored as part of the Historic Heart of Dublin Project, a European-funded enterprise between Dublin City Council and Dublin Civic Trust. Now in use as offices, it will be open for view briefly, including access to the basement where part of the old Liffey wall has been found.
9 Merchant's Quay, Dublin 9
September 2nd, tours at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tel: 01-6723184
Royal Irish Academy
The RIA, based on Dawson Street, will be looking at the social history of its own street - the shops, hotels and businesses that have come and gone - in a series of lunchtime lectures. Speakers include historians and writers Maurice Craig and Peter Pearson, and the Rev Adrian Empey.
Meeting Room, Royal Irish Academy
September 2nd to 6th, 1.10 p.m. Tel:
01-6380910
14-15 St Stephen's Green
These two adjoining protected buildings are important examples of 1780s Dublin and are currently under restoration. This is an opportunity for the public to see the restoration work in progress.
14-15 St Stephens' Green
September 5th, tours at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tel: 01-6723184
GALWAY
Portumna Castle
A day of living history at the castle, where the public can see displays of duelling, falconry and other medieval activities, with participants in period costume.
Portumna Castle
September 1st, 1.30 p.m.-6 p.m. Tel: 0509-41658
Derrynane
Qualified scuba-divers are invited to join a dive in Derrynane Harbour, where six gun-cannons and two anchors from the 1750s have been located underwater.
September 1st, 11 a.m.
Derrynane Harbour, Caherdaniel. Tel: 087-2224030
KILDARE
Athy
Barge tour of Athy's waterways, with a talk on the waterways' history and ecology.
Athy Heritage Centre
September 1st, 2.30 p.m. Tel: 0507-
33075
KILKENNY
Clomantagh Castle
The Irish Landmark Trust is opening one of its properties, a 15th-century towerhouse and adjoining 18th-century farmhouse, which are usually only open to those who rent them.
Clonmantagh Castle, between Johnstown and Freshford
September 4th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tel: 01-6704733
LAOIS
Heywood Gardens
Guided tour of one of the four gardens in Ireland designed by the famous Edwin Lutyens.
Meet at the turnstile entrance, Heywood Gardens.
September 2nd to 6th, 2 p.m. Tel:
0502-33563/087-6675291
LOUTH
Oldbridge Estate
A day of living history on the site of the Battle of the Boyne, with 17th-century cavalry and weaponry demonstrations promised.
Oldbridge Estate
September 1st, 7th and 8th, 9.30 a.m.-5.30 p.m. Tel: 041-9884343
MONAGHAN
Annaghmakerrig
An open day at the lakeside country house given by Tyrone Guthrie in his will to be used as a retreat for writers and artists.
Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annaghmakerrig, Newbliss
September 8th, 1 p.m.-6p.m. Tel: 047-
54003
WATERFORD
Civic Offices, Dungarvan
Intriguing-sounding talk entitled "Raising the dead", illustrating how archives allow those who have left us to speak for themselves.
Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Dungarvan
September 2nd, 8 p.m. Tel: 058-41231
• The Heritage Week brochure is free and available at all Dúchas sites and public libraries or by contacting CALLSAVE 1850 600601/01-6472466.
The programme is also on the website at www.heritageireland.ie