Heritage Week 2013 runs from August 17th to 25th. I’d like to draw your attention to just two events that are happening here in Mayo.

Old Irish Goat Society (OIGS)

On Friday evening the 23rd, there will be a talk in Mulranny Park Hotel on the origin of Ireland’s Native Goat. This event relates to a transnational collaboration of several institutions across the UK and Ireland, including the Smurfit Genetic Institute in Trinity College, who have done ground-breaking work in the study of this animal.

The results of the study are fascinating, not only relating to the origins of the Irish Goat and the genetic heritage conservation value of those remaining, but also through insights into historic human migration. This latter facet lends even greater weight to the heritage value of the Old Irish Goat.

There will then be a guided walk on Saturday morning, the 24th, where people will get to see some of the Old Irish Goat’s defining features.

Learn more here : OIGS

Doon Peninsula

Saturday the 24th will also see a guided nature walk of Doon Peninsula at Lough Carra, led by Chris Huxley, ecologist. Chris’ knowledge of Lough Carra is profound and this talk promises to be both informative and educational.

Learn more here : Doon Walk 2013

There are, indeed, many more events happening throughout Mayo during Heritage Week 2013, including walks and talks on various subjects, such as archaeology and nature, from Ballycroy to Bangor Erris to Downpatrick Head and Westport. Here is the website for Heritage Week 2013, complete with events around the country. Do take a browse through the site and find one or two events for yourself and your family to enjoy. Get out and about, as the summer draws to a close.