More Than 100 Events In Wexford For Heritage Week Which Starts On Saturday

We're being encouraged to become tourists in our own county for the next week.

National Heritage Week kicks off on Saturday with more than 100 activities to see or do from Courtown to Duncannon.

The week will be launched in Wexford Town with a celebration of the town's Medieval Walls and Viking history.

Wexford County Council's Heritage Officer Colm Moriarty says it's an opportunity to show how much we love this county of ours:

"I think we're very proud of our heritage, especially in Wexford because it's all around us and it's a special part of what makes us Wexford people.

"I spend my days working with communities around the county and the love and gra of heritage is just amazing in the county."

The week starts on Saturday and runs until Sunday the 23rd of August with most of the events completely free.

Nature lovers are being asked to get out and about for the week.

This year's theme is Heritage At Risk with a special focus on the conservation and protection of what makes us who we are.

Kids can get involved too with a special bug hunt event at the New Ross Library next Thursday.

Mr Moriarty says there's plenty to do for the adults with green fingers as well:

"There's a bat walk in Coolgreany, a nature walk in Tintern Woods, a wildlife walk and tour in the JFK centre and you can get your feet wet in this one, a kayaking and biodiversity tour of the River Slaney in Enniscorthy."

Children are also being urged to learn about the world around them by participating in fun games and events this week.

The sheer range of events for kids mean they'll be able to become an archeologist, artist or Viking for the day.

More information on the events can be found on heritageweek.ie website.

Mr Moriarty says  the youth of today will be the stewards of our heritage into the future so why not start them off early:

"A lot of these activities are aimed towards children because it's important to get them to love heritage and to take part because they're the people in the future generations who will look after and continue our traditional crafts, music and stories so it's very important children are involved."

That report was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.