Heritage Week 2008 in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County

Pictured above left - The Russian Gun with the Romanov crest that features in the Did You Know? exhibition

Pictured above right - Robert Mallet the father of the study of earthquakes in the Did You Know? exhibition

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has a number of events organised for National Heritage Week which runs from August 24 to August 31.

Sometimes we become so familiar with that heritage that we do not see the significance, beauty or interest of it. During Heritage Week there are a number of events organised in the county for you to engage with and enjoy your heritage. Now, you have no excuse!!!!!

Among the events taking place near you are:

* A new Did You Know? exhibition opens in the County Hall, Dún Laoghaire on Friday August 29th and runs until September 17th. In this the father of seismology, exploding granite, a captured Russian cannon, a lead mine under Killiney Hill, Ireland's first air show, weathercocks on churches, the Merrion Estate and much more will feature.

* On Tuesday evening in the Council Chamber Rory O'Dwyer originally from Blackrock and now a lecturer in History in UCC, will provide a timely talk on the Eucharistic Congress held in Dublin in 1932 - one of the greatest public events in modern Irish history. In an illustrated lecture the speaker, who is researching a book on the 1932 Congress, will strive to recapture the remarkable atmosphere which prevailed in Dublin, and indeed Ireland, at this time.

* On Wednesday evening in the Council Chamber Heritage Officer, Tim Carey, will give an illustrated talk on the recent publication In Honour and Memory: Memorials of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Among the county's memorials featured will be Beckett, Mallon, Huggins, Alcock, George iv, Synge, O'Donovan, the Leinster, Kickham, Casement and many more. How many have you walked past and wondered about?

* Also at Dalkey Castle, on Monday evening, Edward Bourke will speak on the loss of the Prince of Wales and Rochdale ships in 1807 at Seapoint and Blackrock which caused over 400 deaths and led to the construction of the harbour at Dún Laoghaire.

Heritage Week is the final week of the summer to visit some of the council's most important buildings. After a very successful regular opening of these sites it is hoped that this increased access to the county's heritage will be expanded next year. In the meantime make sure you get take the chance to:

* Travel back in time at Cabinteely House and experience a bygone era with Earl Nugent from the eighteenth century at Cabinteely House. Hear how he lived, socialised, travelled, was painted by Gainsborough, married rich widows and died - open on Wednesday and Sunday afternoon. Tours hourly between 1.00 and 4.00pm

* Discover the gem of Celtic Renaissance Art at the Dominican Oratory on Library Road, Dún Laoghaire open on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons. Tours hourly between 1.00 and 4.00.

* Get inside the iconic Obelisk on Killiney Hill - open on Sunday afternoon. For a tour meet at the Tea Rooms Killiney Hill Park. Tours hourly between 1.00 and 4.00pm

For more information on all events see www.dlrcoco.ie/heritage, www.heritageweek.ie or call the Heritage Officer at 01-205-4868.