Full house for heritage seminar

Kilcullen hosted a seminar on progress with the County Heritage Plan in the Heritage Centre on Saturday 27 January.



A capacity audience of representatives of interest groups from around the county and from outside the county were given a series of lectures and presentations outlining progress to date.

In an opening address Bridget Loughlin, County Heritage Officer, gave an overview of projects completed and also gave information on forthcoming events of heritage significance and value. Significant among these was the one day seminar on The Curragh of Kildare – ancient and modern to be held in the Keadeen Hotel on Sunday 4th March. Four very interesting presentations followed.

The first presentation was by Neil Foulkes, a hedgerow specialist with the Heritage Council who was commissioned to conduct an evaluation of the hedgerows of the county. In a very informative lecture he outlined the types, densities and vegetation criteria for a hedgerow to thrive and be a conduit for wildlife to survive and move in them. He was strong in his support for the use of native vegetation for hedges and for the minimisation of hedgerow ‘gaps’ which may deter migration.



Hermann Geissel gave a most interesting and entertaining presentation titled A Road on the Long Ridge which was his estimation of the route of the ‘Slí Mór’ from Dublin to Galway. In it he gave interesting conjectures as to route’s journey along the Esker Riada and especially through bog and moor.

Mario Corrigan, local historian and archivist, Kildare County Library, gave an interesting account of the means used in devising a booklet on the heritage trail in Kildare Town, The Hundred Acres – Kildare Town Heritage Trail. The success of the venture can be determined by the now constant use of the trail as walking route by Kildare people. The route is almost five kilometres in length during which sites of historical or ecclesiastical importance are indicated. The booklet can be had for two euros.

The last presentation was on The Thatched Cottages of Kildare by Charles Duggan, Architectural Historian who was commissioned to conduct this survey by the Council.

Charles' findings revealed the variety of thatched habitations by type and general location throughout the county. Regrettably his finding reveal a decline in the number of thatched dwellings (the term ‘houses’ is used, but the survey ranges from ‘cottages’ to ‘thatched mansions’!) in Kildare in the time interval since the last survey was conducted.

His findings in booklet form was launched at the conclusion of the seminar by Fionnuala Dukes, Mayor of County Kildare and a member of the County Heritage Forum. Copies were distributed and are available from the Heritage Officer. Additionally a variety of heritage publications were available to the audience. They related in the main to species and habitation preservation. Significant among them were:

• Peatlands – wastelands or heritage An introduction to bogs and fens.
• Nature on the Farm on environmentally friendly farming.
• Conserving and Enhancing Wildlife in Town and Villages – a guide for local community groups.
• Leaflets on the theme Threatened Irish Wildlife each one on; the red squirrel, bats, amphibians, and lampreys.
• Leaflets and wall charts on heritage and wildlife preservation which would be ideal for schools and libraries.

A concluding address by Bridget Loughlin made mention of the ambience and excellence of Kilcullen Heritage Centre for such seminars. She thanked all for providing it and for the support by way of refreshments provided by Cathy Flynn who gave of her free time to ensure a pleasant morning for all.

Des Travers.
Photos courtesy of Noel Clare/The Bridge