Hill of Tara

23 August from 2pm-5pm

Who would have thought that a hill in Meath was once the religious and political centre of this country? The High King of ancient Ireland sat on his throne and ruled from Tara. You can beat your drum with 200 others in a stone age-like procession here on 23 August from 2-5pm. Suitable for those aged eight and over. Hand drums will be provided on the day.

Ewe Natural History Experience

23-31 August

from 10am-6pm

Ewe Natural History Experience in Glengarriff, Co Cork, is an innovative learning experience about our natural history and environment. We haven’t been there ourselves but we’ll leave you with the words of The Lonely Planet Guide: “Set over five acres, a kilometre of trails takes you past sculptures like a bikini-wearing rhino, a handbag-toting emu, bicycle-riding fish and a pig blissing out in a bubble bath.” Adult: €6.50. Child: €5.50.

Rathvinden period estate

24 August at 1pm

Rathvinden is a charming period-style estate in Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, which dates back to 1810 and looks like it’s straight out of an episode of Made in Chelsea. Rathvinden is hosting a Victorian Day in aid of Old Leighlin Cathedral. There will be demonstrations of Victorian food making, crafts and farm machinery. Refreshments will be served and Victorian dress will be de rigueur. One interesting fact is that Rathvinden also has a cattery.

Illustrated lecture on Muskerry tram

26 August from 8-10pm

An illustrated lecture on Muskerry tram, delivered by local historian and lecturer Tim O’Brien, takes place in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál in Blarney, Co Cork. It is the 80th anniversary of the closure of the train, which has a special place in the hearts of Corkonians. It was built in 1887, primarily to bring tourists from Cork to Blarney Castle. The train had difficulty moving on its first journey though, due to the large turnout of 2,000 passengers.

WWI trench

24 August from 2-6pm

It is estimated that 210,000 Irish men served with the British army and navy in World War I. Of these, 49,000 were killed. To date, 659 of the war dead from Cavan have been identified and are listed in the Cavan roll of honour. In Cavan County Museum, visitors will have an opportunity to experience life as it was in the trenches.

Archaeofest

23 August from 11am to 4pm

Archaeofest 2014 takes place in Merrion Square Park in Dublin and will see the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland host an archaeological extravaganza suitable for all the family. Have a go at excavating in the big dig, see Viking combat displays, weapons and much more. Maybe you could make a Viking day of it by visiting Dublinia and doing the Viking Splash Tour.

General Hall

26 August from 6.30-8pm General Henry Hall, a Galway man who served with the British Army in India, is possibly the subject of dedication for the Five Lamps – a decorated lamppost with five lanterns, which stands at the junction of five streets in Dublin’s North Strand area. The Five Lamps was originally a water fountain. Light is being shed on the Five Lamps by Diarmuid G Hiney, who will tell their iconic story.

Eco Lodge bat walk

24-31 August

An Eco Lodge situated at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains in Glenribbeen, Lismore, Co Waterford, is hosting a bat walk. At the hut pool of the Blackwater River, participants will see and hear up to four different kinds of bats and learn some local history.