From linen-making in Laragh to steam trains in Stradbally, over 400,000 people are set to participate in 1,800 events countrywide to celebrate National Heritage Week, which runs from 22-30 August.

This year, the spotlight is on our industrial past, as canals, mines, breweries, potteries, forges, railways and cotton mills tell us as much about our heritage as celebrated archeological sites, cathedrals and large country houses.

National Heritage Week 2015 is the perfect time to find out more about this fascinating but often neglected aspect of our past, with historical walks and talks, workshops, archaeological digs, re-enactments and so much more.

ADVERTISEMENT

Most of these events are free and will be led by local enthusiasts. National Heritage Week is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the work of these tireless volunteers and their indomitable community spirit.

National Heritage Week is a part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe. For more information on what’s on in your area. Read more here.

Linen Making

Laragh, Co Monaghan

In a fascinating tribute to the industrial heritage of the small Monaghan village of Laragh, the local heritage group has planted flax and has been counting down the 100 days it takes to mature.

On 30 August (from noon-6pm) the group will harvest the flax and then turn it into linen, using tools and implements created or restored for the purpose

There were once three linen and tweed mills in Laragh which employed over 700 people. Now just 50 people live there. The heritage group was set up by Paula McCaul, who moved to the village with her young family in 2012. Since the group was set up, they have saved an historic tin church, restored the water race and initiated cross-border projects to help overcome conflict.

Bread-Baking & Open Day

Martry Mill, Kells, Co Meath

Martry Mill is one of a few remaining traditional and fully functional family-run watermills and has been open since 1641. On 22 August (10am- 5pm) the mill will be providing tours and answering questions about milling, flour, the building or baking. At 3pm there will be a brown bread baking competition, so make sure you bring a loaf with you if you want to take part.

Ballinfull Creamery

Co Sligo

The Ballinfull Creamery was founded by Jocelyn Gore-Booth in 1897 as a small dairy co-op for the benefit of Maugherow Peninsula farmers. It has remained relatively unchanged over 120 years and is now virtually an agricultural museum.

On 30 August (3pm-6pm) former employee Tom Currid and Sligo field club president Leo Leydon will conduct guided tours around this amazing industrial site.

Steam Train Trips

Stradbally

The Stradbally Woodland Express is Ireland’s oldest heritage railway, in operation since 1969. The steam train brings visitors for a journey in the picturesque woodland around the Stradbally Hall Estate in Co Laois.

Climb on board on 22 and 23 August from 1pm to 4pm. Booking is required, with admission costing €7 for adults and €3 for children. Read more here.

Blacksmithing

Galway

During most of Heritage Week, Stephen Quinn at the Dartfield Horse Museum will be restoring two flat bar field gates for the Ballygar Tidy Town Committee. Stephen and other blacksmiths will be on hand to talk about their work.

High Nellie Bike Tour

Offaly to Durrow

The Derrinlough to Durrow High Nelly Heritage Cycle is a 110k, two-day adventure that retraces one of William Bulfin’s “Rambles in Eireann” bicycle journeys taken in 1902.

Bulfin braved the sometimes hazardous weather conditions and rough terrain of the Irish countryside to complete a 3,000 mile round trip on his brand new High Nelly bike, purchased from Pierce Engineering in Wexford. The big man from Derrinlough in Co Offaly pushed his strong steel-framed bicycle, mile after mile, on the roads of Ireland, returning home to a hero’s welcome in the winter of 1902.

The Derrinlough to Durrow High Nelly Heritage Cycle will visit the heritage towns of Birr, Roscrea and Abbeyleix, and then on to the town of Durrow, Co Laois, where William Bulfin lingered on his bicycle journey in 1902, describing this lovely town as “a gem in the basin of the Nore”.

Please note only High Nellie bikes or genuine replicas will be allowed to join. Period dress is optional.