National Heritage Week is part of European Heritage Days. These are a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union in which over forty countries participate each year. The main aim of these Heritage Days is to promote awareness of our built, natural and cultural heritage and to promote Europe’s common cultural heritage. In Ireland we celebrate European Heritage Days with a full week of events throughout National Heritage Week. This year Heritage Week takes place from 13th -21st August.

To celebrate Heritage Week Lucan Library has an exciting schedule of events lined up including:

Viking Coin Striking Workshop

Join the team at Lucan Library on 18th August and learn how Ireland’s first coin was minted as well as all about ancient trade and commerce in medieval Ireland in this workshop with the School of Irish Archaeology. Workshops are suitable for kids from 7-12 years of age and take place at 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm and 2:30pm. You can book through Eventbrite at https://lucanlibrarydublin.eventbrite.ie

The Emergence of Irish Gothic Fiction with Jarlath Killeen

Professor Jarlath Killeen of Trinity College will discuss the emergence of Irish gothic fiction in mid-eighteenth century, and argue how it was used as a fictional instrument of liberal Anglican opinion in a changing political landscape. Mary Shelley, Horace Walpole, Bram Stoker and Robert Maturin will be some of the figures discussed. This fascinating talk will take place on Thursday 25th August at 6:30pm at Lucan Library. You can book through Eventbrite at lucanlibrarydublin.eventbrite.ie