Packed calendar of events for Heritage Week in Roscrea and Knock village

To coincide with National Heritage Week, Roscrea Heritage Society together with the OPW and Knock Dancing at the Crossroads committee have organised a number of events to celebrate all things heritage, bígí linn!

Roscrea Castle
On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August – Guided tours of Roscrea Castle Complex.

Venue: Damer House, Castle Street, Roscrea at 10am. Tours start at 10am and will continue throughout the day with last admission at 5.15pm.

Further information: Phone: (0505) 21850 Email: roscreaheritage@opw.ie

Roscrea Castle pictured above

Music in the Mill
On Tuesday 20th August there is Music in the Mill with Trad Group 'Dé Máirt'.

Venue: The Black Mills, Church Street, Roscrea, E53 F652. Time: 8pm – 10pm. Booking on the eventbrite.ie website.

Join Dé Máirt for what promises to be a very enjoyable evening of Trad music in the mill. This event will take place in the stunning setting of the Black Mills. The Black Mills dates from the first half of the 18th century and is located near the 11th century Round Tower and the 12th century Romanesque church.

As seating is limited, tickets (€10) must be purchased in advance via Eventbrite. All proceeds will be donated to Roscrea Hospice.

Roscrea's Black Mills complex is pictured above

Children's Storytelling
On Wednesday 21st August - Children’s storytelling at Damer House Annexe, Castle Street, Roscrea from 11am to 12 Midday and 3–4pm.

Further information: Phone: (0505) 21850 Email: roscreaheritage@opw.ie.

Basket weaving
On Friday 23rd August an 'Introduction to Natural Materials and Basket Weaving' at the Black Mills, Church Street, Roscrea, E53 F652, from 2–4pm

Join highly skilled Master Basket maker, Multi-media Artist and Sculptor Lynn Kirkham as she talks us through the use of natural materials such as willow, how it is grown, when it is harvested and what this natural material can be used for. She will have some various sized pieces to showcase on the day and will encourage all those attending to try their hand at making a small piece such as a headband, wreath or coaster to take home.

As places are limited, tickets (free of charge) must be booked in advance via the Eventbrite website.

Join highly skilled Master basket maker and Sculptor Lynn Kirkham (pictured above) in Roscrea's Black Mills

Rambling House
On Friday 23rd August Rambling House in Roscrea Courthouse on Gaol Road, Roscrea, E53 TD51, from 7-10pm.

Join Fear an Tí Séamus Moloughney for what promises to be a very enjoyable evening of stories, songs and rhymes from the rare auld times. Light refreshments will be served on the night. Bring a friend and a song! Admission by voluntary donation.

All proceeds will go to Age Friendly Roscrea.

Join Fear an Tí Séamus Moloughney (pictured above) for what promises to be a very enjoyable evening of stories, songs and rhymes from the rare auld times at Rambling House in the Courthouse on Friday, August 23

Fancroft Mill
On Sunday 25th August – Tour of Fancroft Mill and Gardens (E53 ET72) from 10am – 12.30pm

Bus will depart from Castle Street at 9.45am sharp and return at 12.45 approx. On arrival at the mill, visitors will be given a brief talk on the history of the site, especially the mill. This will be followed by a guided tour of the mill and complimentary light refreshments.

Following this, the gardens can then be explored at leisure. Suitable footwear is strongly recommended. We do not advise wearing of sandals even in warm weather. As places are limited, tickets (free of charge) must be booked in advance via Eventbrite.

Fancroft Mill is pictured above

Dancing at the Crossroads & Sheaf Throwing
On Sunday 25th August – Dancing at the Crossroads in Knock Village, Roscrea, E53YH93 from 2- 5pm.

Join Knock Dancing at the Crossroads committee for what promises to be another fantastic fun filled day in Knock Village. This small village situated just outside Roscrea, with five roads leading into it, will showcase the best of our Irish cultural heritage.

From jigs, reels, brush dances to the Siege of Ennis, there really is something for everyone. There will also be a number of stalls on the day with fabulous handmade items from bog oak and home baking.

The committee are delighted to hold their inaugural Sheaf Throwing competition in memory of John Russell, champion sheaf thrower.

The winner of the men’s senior competition will be presented with the John Russell Perpetual trophy. Registration on the day. Further information is available by email from Knockdatc@gmail.com.

Roscrea Heritage Society
If you require any information on any of the events Roscrea Heritage Society members can be contacted via the following platforms: Email: roscreaheritagesociety@gmail, roscreaheritagesociety.org and their facebook page.