12 August 2016
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Seamus McGrath joined Cork County Council Heritage Officer Conor Nelligan to launch Heritage Week 2016 outside County Hall. Heritage Week, which is coordinated by the Heritage Council and forms part of the wider European Heritage Days Programme, takes place from August 20th to 28th 2016 and in this, our centenary year, it promises to be the best yet.
Mayor McGrath speaking at the launch commented “It is wonderful to see such a magnitude and variety of events taking place. Cork County is known for its heritage, and thanks to the superb network of local heritage groups in Cork, this heritage is being brought into the spotlight, promoted for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.”
Throughout the County close to 170 events have been organised across 60 different locations. Cork County Council Heritage Officer Conor Nelligan highlighted that “Heritage Week 2016 is larger than ever before and this year’s exciting programme of events is thanks to the many event organisers and active heritage groups in the County. It is a wonderful week to explore our heritage. The majority of events listed are free of charge and suitable for all the family”.
L-R The Mayor of The County of Cork Cllr Seamus McGrath and CCC Heritage Officer Conor Nelligan
The theme for Heritage Week 2016 is ‘100 Years of Heritage’, looking back to 1916 while also recognising the many years that have elapsed since then and the treasure trove of heritage that is contained within this period. Mr Nelligan added “The fact that we are commemorating the centenary of 1916 this year features strongly in the programme, with close to forty associated events taking place right throughout the week”.
Mayor McGrath went on to say “Heritage is all around us and Heritage Week offers opportunities for people to learn more about their village, their town, their County, adding to the overall sense of pride that we as Cork people should certainly have about our heritage. I would like to encourage young and old alike to participate in the many different events on offer, not least in support of the many community groups who are actively involved, for which a great amount of credit is due, but also to get out there and savor our magnificent heritage”.
Cork County Council is delighted to invite the Cork public to come and enjoy the fantastic line-up of events organised for Heritage Week 2016. Each year Cork County Council brings out a Heritage Week County Cork Events Guide to promote these wonderful events and this is now available throughout the County in Tourist Offices, Libraries, Council Offices, Museums and in a number of other outlets. The Events Guide can also be posted out upon request (email conor.nelligan@corkcoco.ie with details and a copy will be posted. The leaflet is also available electronically by clicking County Cork Heritage Week Events Guide for 2016.
