Source: Government of Ireland
A range of events will take place throughout the month including a Drumming Workshop at Cahir Castle with members of the local Irish Men’s Sheds Association and a peaceful chair yoga session will be hosted in the serene surroundings of Parke’s Castle.
Charles Fort will host an illustrated talk titled “The Muses & Mars,” exploring the fort’s rich artistic and cultural associations across three centuries.
At the Custom House, the Bealtaine programme will include special literary tours alongside outdoor sculpture tours.
Other events taking place across the month of May OPW Heritage sites include a guided walk and talk at Kilkenny Castle where visitors can enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna.
The National Botanic Gardens will present “Echoes,” a patchwork exhibition celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Irish Patchwork Society and there will also be a free exhibition highlighting contemporary ceramics by over 80 makers from across Ireland called “Clay/Works”.
At The Main Guard, “Silent Exposure” will feature early photography by William Despard Hemphill, offering insight into 19th-century life.
A concert by the Royal Irish Academy of Music’s Academy Artists will take place at Rathfarnham Castle.
Meanwhile, Castletown House will host an illustrated lecture exploring the history and homes of the Guinness family.
Dr Tara Byrne, Arts Programme Manager at Age & Opportunity and Artistic Director of Bealtaine Festival, commented:
In recognition of National Arts in Nursing Home Day on Friday May 15th, the OPW will also be running an event at a nursing home in Belmullet in Co Mayo.Residents from Sonas Nursing Home will have the opportunity to use virtual reality headsets and experience a virtual tour of an OPW heritage site from the comfort of their armchair.
For more information on the programme of events for Bealtaine, please visit www.heritageireland.ie or bealtaine.ie
*Kilmainham Gaol and Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is excluded from the list of sites who will participate in the free admission initiative on Friday 22 May, due to capacity constraints.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
Pictured: Ross O’Connor, OPW Guide, Dr. Tara Byrne, Arts Programme Manager Age & Opportunity and members of Loughlinstown/Ballybrack Irish Men’s Sheds Association, Mark Larkin, Christy Larkin, Ger Bailey, Brian Connolly, Gavin Moran.
The offer of free admission for senior citizens on Friday 22 May applies on an individual basis, and free admission does not apply to accompanying group members who are not Senior Citizens.
Free admission to all fee-paying sites except for Kilmainham Gaol Museum and Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. For a full list of OPW Heritage Sites, please see heritageireland.ie
OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please contact pressoffice@opw.ie for more information and to arrange an interview.