heritage week banner resHeritage Week is Ireland’s annual celebration of our built, natural and cultural heritage. This year it takes place from the 20th to the 28th of August. There is something for everyone to enjoy; exhibitions, activities, talks, demonstrations, tours and more. Check out what’s happening near you by clicking here.

In cooperation with Future Proof Kilkenny and the Kilkenny Fruit Tree Project, Rothe House and Garden are holding an Apple Pressing on Wednesday 24th August from 12pm to 3pm. We will be demonstrating how to create apple juice the traditional way using a cross-bar hand-operated press. Everyone is invited to bring their own apples and containers and our volunteers will happily turn them into fresh, delicious fruit juice. Entry to the garden will be through the gate on New Building Lane and will be free of charge for the duration. Why not take the opportunity to visit our Tudor walled garden and chat with our gardener? You’ll get to see how we grow vegetables, herbs and fruit including our fine selection of Irish heritage apple trees. For more information on apple pressing events this autumn follow @apple_pressing

We have three other ‘top picks’ from the Kilkenny Heritage Week Event Guide that shouldn’t be missed:

Kilkenny Book Fair Saturday 20th 11am – 5.30pm, Club House Hotel, Patrick Street. A mecca for the collector with booksellers from all over Ireland exhibiting. Book lovers welcome!

The Black Death in Ireland Tuesday 23rd 7pm, Castlecomer Library. A book launch and talk by author and broadcaster Finbar Dwyer.

Walking Tour of Parliament Street Wednesday 24th 7pm, meeting at the carpark by the old Mayfair Building. A guided walking tour along this most historic street will be lead by President of Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Seamus Brennan.