NEW: Bumper schedule revealed for Heritage Week in Roscrea
Locals can expect a stellar line-up packed full of history and culture later this month
With Heritage Week 2025 just around the corner, the Roscrea Heritage Centre along with the OPW and a large number of local businesses have revealed the full schedule of events set to take place across the town from Saturday, August 16 to Sunday, August 24.
On Saturday 16, there will be a Black Mills Special in the form of a tribue to the late Anthony Bourke. Music by Dinny Quirke, Charly Ford and Michael Creagh.
All day on Saturday there will be free guided tours of Roscrea Castle Complex at Damer House on Castle Street. Tours begin at 10am; last admission at 5.15pm. Those interested can phone (0505) 21850 or email [email protected].
From Monday 18 to Friday 22, Roscrea Tourism Committee will be hosting a Lego competition, with all entries to be submitted to Roscrea Library. The competition is open to all ages, build any building, monument/place, or craft. Phone: (087) 8532987 or Email: [email protected] for more details.
On Monday 18, everyone is welcome to a Tour of Stapleton’s Bakery by Joe Stapleton (a fourth generation baker). This will include a behind-the-scenes look at how Stapleton's products are made. Includes tasting. Meet at Stapleton’s Bakery, Limerick Street from 11am to 1pm. Free tickets must be booked in advance via Eventbrite (available from 4th August at 8pm). Suitable for ages 16+.
On Tuesday 19, there will be an introduction to natural materials and basket weaving at the Black Mills on Church Street. Lynn Kirkham, artist & sculptor, will host the event from 12pm to 3pm. The workshop will include using natural materials, making a coaster, headband wreath, etc. Free tickets required via Eventbrite from 4th August at 8pm. Suitable for ages 10+.
On Tuesday 19, Séamus Mulcoughney will host Rambling House in Roscrea Courthouse at The Courthouse, Gaol Rd from 7pm – 10pm. It promises to be an evening of stories, songs, and rhymes. Light refreshments served. Admission is simply a voluntary donation with proceeds going to Age Friendly Roscrea.
On Wednesday 20, there will be a talk on vikings and their battle in Roscrea at King John’s Tower, Roscrea Castle. This will take place at 11am and again at 3pm that afternoon. Phone: (0505) 21850 or email Email: [email protected].
Also on Wednesday 20, there will be a presentation, Roscrea Heritage 1979 – 2017, at the courthouse by George Cunningham. This will take place from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. It will involve an illustrated presentation with focus on restoration of Damer House. Again this is by voluntary contribution with proceeds going to Age Friendly Roscrea.
Thursday 21 will see a presentation on how a community can enhance and preserve its local history. This will be given by Dr Jamie Halloran PhD at the courthouse from 2pm to 4pm.
On Sunday 24, Knock Village will host a night of music and dance from 7pm.