Heritage Week returns from the 18th – 26th August with events all across the country celebrating our natural, built and cultural heritage. With many of the events being free, it’s a great chance to get learn more about the unique heritage of our island.
There’s so much to choose from so we picked out a few really interesting events that focus on our coastal environment and the marine creatures that live there.
1. Zoology museum at NUIG | 18th August Quad Archway, NUIG
An opportunity to meet and learn about a variety of reptiles and invertebrates. Admission is free but booking is essential and children must be accompanied by an adult. Kids of all ages will have an up-close and personal opportunity to meet & learn about a variety of reptiles & invertebrates as well as visit Galway’s ‘Dead Zoo’ at the Zoology and Marine Biology Museum NUIG. Booking is essential and children must be accompanied by an adult.
2. Family Seashore Explore| 18th – 26th August Donabate Beach, Dublin
Join Secrets of the Seashore and explore the seashore and its surroundings with lots of family fun through seashore activities.
Beachcombing – They will show you what to look out for on the shoreline and the best times to do it. Rock pooling – Identify marine life in rock pools and learn how they survive until the next tide. Environmental awareness – Explore ways in which we can care for our beaches and seas. Seashore safety while visiting the beach.
3. Seabed Survey Vessel Open Day| 18th August, Arklow Harbour
Visit a GSI Inshore Survey Vessel with a 3D Seabed Mapping system. Learn more about the CHERISH Project and how climate change and storminess impacts coastal heritage.
Meet marine geologists and archaeologists from the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Discovery Programme onboard a research vessel. Learn how the INFOMAR team map Ireland’s seabed and about the exciting new coastal heritage project CHERISH. The Cherish project receives funding through the Ireland-Wales 2014-2020 Programme.
4. Seashore Safaris| 18th and 25th August Seasynergy Activity Centre Waterville Co. Kerry
Explore the seashore with local marine biologists. Discover the secrets of the creatures living in one of the most extreme environments. Fun & interesting for old and young!
Explore the seashore with local marine biologists. Discover the secrets of the creatures living in one of the most extreme environments. We will explore the rock pools and animals that live there, learn cool facts, finding crabs, prawns starfish and much more! Fun & interesting for old and young! Discount: For the 2nd child the price reduces to €8. Check out their website under www.seasynergy.org for more events happening during National Heritage Week 2018.
5. Loop Head Geology Walk| 25th August Loop Head Co. Clare
Join this coastal walk and explore the geological history of the Loop Head Peninsula, taking in the famous Bridges of Ross, ancient sand volcanoes and submarine landslides, fossils and more!
On this coastal walk you will explore the rich geological history of the Loop Head Peninsula, taking in the famous Bridges of Ross. Stroll through ancient sand volcanoes and submarine landslides and look at the remains of marine animals alive 300 million years ago and now preserved as fossils in the rocks! With any luck, you will see some seabirds along the way. This event is suitable for all ages and no prior geology background is needed.
6. Whale Watch 2018 | 25th August Various locations around the coast
Taking place at a number of locations around the coast the watches are land-based and will be led by experienced IWDG researchers, enthusiasts and whale watchers, who will show you how to observe and identify some of the more commonly-recorded cetacean species seen in Irish waters. The event also provides IWDG researchers with a unique snapshot of whale and dolphin activity around the Irish coast on the same day.
For full list of locations visit the IWDG website
7. Touch Tanks at Lough Hyne | 25 August Skibbereen Heritage Centre Cork
Join UCC marine biologists as they interpret marine species from Lough Hyne. Touch and feel underwater creatures from the tanks while you learn. This event is free of charge and open to all. In the event of inclement weather, please refer to the Skibbereen Heritage Centre
8. Water Heritage Day | 26th August Old Cork Waterworks Experience
A special event for Heritage Week, Old Cork Waterworks Experience presents “Water Heritage Open Day”, a family fun day themed on the industrial heritage and history of Cork’s Victorian Waterworks.
Throughout the day the team will provide guided tours of the impressive engine and boiler rooms offer an insight into the working day of a waterworks employee and map the role of water supply with the growth of Cork City. There are a range of engaging and educational activities available including a puppet show, marine science, giant bubbles as well as launching water rockets and a water science zone.
