What better way to start off European Heritage Days 2018 than by inviting citizens to take part in an activity celebrating shared heritage such as exploring the magical world of Storyland.

The village of Fore in Westmeath County in Ireland is transformed into a dreamlike backdrop for sharing stories and making connections as the 2018 Heritage Week theme announces. Stories from the two millennia old history of the village are the focal point of a number of participatory events including creative workshops, guided tours, and discovery trails on August 18, 19 and 22.

In addition to this, over 2000 events will be organized all across Ireland between 18 and 26 August to celebrate 2018 European Heritage Days within Heritage Week. The events will also mark the Irish celebrations of European Year of Cultural Heritage, focusing on stories that are connected to European heritage traditions.

Exploring Irish Customs and Cultures

From personal and family past recollections told at Ballitore Library & Quaker Museum, Kildare County and Roscommon County Library respectively, to the illustrated lecture about Vikings in Kerry, and Stories from Days Gone by in Ardee, Louth, Ireland is sharing its truly amazing historical and cultural heritage in the widest range of storytelling forms.

On 22 August, visitors had an opportunity to hear personal testimonies of migrants who moved to Ireland and Youghal, which enabled them to better understand their own heritage as well as the heritage of their compatriots.

On the same day, another event focused on sharing heritage between various nationalities took place in Moylough. Moylough Heritage Society is organising an activity titled Exchanging Customs and Cultures, which explored cultural connections between Ireland and the rest of Europe. Galway was the centre of an international network of customs and traditions, providing an atmosphere of unity among Irish and other nationalities living there.

Fascinating tales of interconnected European traditions will be evoked from Sligo to Cork, enabling both Irish and international visitors to witness a number of history lessons that connect the heritage of Ireland to a wider European one.

From 18 to 19 August 18, visitors had a chance to learn the traditional craft of building a hide-covered boat at Carrowmore Visitor Centre, Sligo. On 26 August, Limerick will be the centre of Irish Palatine heritage stories on preservation of their identity worldwide. A remarkable tour guide will take visitors through the history of Denny Street and Town Park in Kerry as they trace its foundations from Ancient Greece to Irish soil on August 24. Matters French in Cork explores Irish connection to France from the Anglo-Norman conquest to Beckett.

By combining individual and collective histories, the 2018 Heritage Week promises to take visitors into an exciting journey of discovering Irish rich cultural heritage through local and European perspectives. If you want to be a part of this inspiring heritage experience, you can browse all events here.

Featured Photo: Storyland, Source: heritageweek.ie