Heritage events 'can boost local tourism'

Communities across Kildare are being urged to consider the tourism potential of events for National Heritage Week which takes place between 23-31 August this year.

Each year events range from medieval fairs, night-time bat walks, wildlife walks and lectures, classical music and poetry recitals, traditional music sessions, storytelling, historical re-enactments, and local history walks and talks. The week focuses on getting people involved in the heritage of Ireland and particularly the heritage of the local community, making it accessible to everyone. Many events organised are free of charge and National Heritage sites also offer concession rates during the week itself.

Last year over 380,000 people attended Heritage Week events organized by some 950 event organisers across Ireland, according to Isabell Smyth of the Heritage Council. "I would encourage people that are considering getting involved in the week to think of the tourism potential Heritage Week offers," she says. "Latest tourism figures from the CSO show an increase of 7.3 percent in the number of visitors to Ireland for the first three months of the year. National Heritage Week offers huge opportunities for communities to attract visitors to their area and experience the wealth of heritage, which in many cases remains unknown.

To register your event log on to www.heritageweek.ie. All events registered by 31st May 2013 will be listed in the National Heritage Week Event Guide which will be available free at OPW Sites, Heritage Centres & Historical Societies, Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, Libraries, CNCI Members, NPWS Sites, Heritage Officers and County Councils, An Óige Hostels, Various Individual Museums (MSPI Participants), Bus Eireann Stations and some Hotels across the country.

Heritage Week is co-ordinated by The Heritage Council and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.

Further information is available from Bridget Loughlin, Heritage Officer, Kildare County Council,, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare, phone 045 980791 or email bloughlin@kildarecoco.ie