First up in Heritage Week:
‘The Story Behind the Stones: Graveyard Tour’
Sat, August 15th 10am – 11.30am
Meet at Ferns Old Graveyard, adjacent to the cathedral Y21 E176
Information on other events during Heritage Week to follow:
This is a free event
Come along on Saturday next (August 15th at 10am) and hear the stories behind the headstones on a tour of this historic graveyard with Barry Lacey, Slaneyside Heritage. Meet members of the Ferns Old Graveyard Steering Group and members of the public who are undergoing training with Barry. Its all part of a project on mapping and recording headstones in the graveyard funded by the Heritage Council and includes best practice in their care and conservation.
‘Fresh Eyes on Old Stones: Unlocking the Secrets of St. Edan’s Cathedral’
Sat, August 22nd, from 2.30pm – 4pm
Meet at St Edan’s Cathedral, Ferns Y21 E176
This is a free event
The modest 19th century appearance of St Edan’s Cathedral in Ferns belies a history which stretches back 800 years. However there are clues to that sometimes troubled history still to be found in the fabric of the building which survives today…..if you know where to look! In this guided tour, led by archaeologist Ronan O’Flaherty and conservation specialist Ivor McElveen, St Edan’s gradually reveals its secrets – and you may be surprised by what you learn.
Presented by the Cathedral Church of St Edan’s Ferns, as part of its outreach programme in connection with the preparation of a new Conservation Management Plan for the church, funded by The Heritage Council.
Shield Painting, Archery & More at Medieval Ferns Experience
Fri, August 21st from 12 – 1pm and 2pm – 3pm
Medieval Ferns Experience (just 2 minutes walk from Ferns Castle) Y21 VW29.
Kids can have fun painting their own shields, have a go at archery and other fun activities. This is a special event for Heritage Week when the Medieval Ferns Experience focuses on how children lived in medieval times. Located in the Ancient Capital of Leinster, the Medieval Ferns Experience tells the story of Ferns in the medieval period. Stories of miracle working saints, ambitious Gaelic kings and sword wielding Norman knights. This event is a great way of exploring the story through fun activities. And there’s always something for the adults to enjoy too.
Admission is €5 pp (adults and children). The Medieval Ferns Experience is a community driven social enterprise. All funds raised go towards running the Experience.
Walking Tour of Ferns Village’s Revolutionary Heritage (1916 – 1923)
Mon, August 17th from 6.30pm – 7.30pm.
Meet at the entrance to St. Edan’s Cathedral, Y21 E176
Join Archaeologist and Historian Barry Lacey of Slaneyside Heritage in a guided tour of Ferns village exploring its revolutionary heritage focusing on the period 1916 – 1923, encompassing the 1916 Rising, War of Independence and Irish Civil War.
Booking Required: please email: barry@slaneysideheritage.ie with ‘Ferns Tour’ in the subject line.
Care & Conservation of Historic Graveyards: Ferns Old Graveyard Tour
Sat, August 22nd from 10.30am – 11.30am
Join archaeologist Barry Lacey of Slaneyside Heritage in learning all about the ‘Care and Conservation’ of Historic Graveyards as he explores Ferns Old Graveyard.
Booking required: email info@slaneysideheritage.ie with the subject line graveyard tour.
Events at Ferns Castle
Ferns Comhaltas at Ferns Castle Sat, August 15th from 2pm – 4pm and Sun, August 23rd from 2pm – 4pm.
Ferns Castle Craft Fair Sat, August 15th from 11am – 4pm
Free Guided Tours of Ferns Castle August 15th – 23rd from 9.30am – 4.15pm
Chronicles Experience Candle Making Working August 17th from 2pm – 4pm
Meet the Makers of the Ferns Tapestry August 18th from 10am – 12pm and August 23rd from 2pm – 4pm