Athenry's Walled Towns Day Sunday 19th August 2012

Athenry celebrates National Walled Towns Day 2012 this Sunday 19^th August 2012. The opening ceremony commences at 1:30pm in Athenry castle and will be launched by Cllr Peter Roche, Deputy Mayor of the County of Galway. This free family event has a programme to suit all ages and promotes the rich cultural history of Athenry, the best preserved medieval town in Ireland.

The programme includes Knights combat training for children, Dig IT!  with archeologist Dr Jim McKeon, medieval craft demonstrations by Montague Heritage Services and traditional longbow making with Dave Hodson. The highlight of the day is the spectacular Battle Re-Enactments by Eireann Edge. Their presentations also include weapons displays traditional crafts of Wattle making, Stone carving and the medieval forge.

The Athenry Heritage Centre will host the Dog & String theatre company with their production of The Wishing Tree, shows commence at 2:00 and 4:00pm and discover new skills with the Ard RI Archery Club’s Have-A-Go archery in the grounds of the centre. There are prizes to be won with Athenry’s Walled Towns Colouring Competition and Face painting too.

This year’s event has a unique fundraising event with the Athenry Tourism groups Friend or Foe at the Northgate. Pay the Toll to pass and get a free copy of the Sunday Times. The programme is coordinated by Alan Burgess, Manager of the Athenry Heritage Centre and is supported by Galway County Council. Event information is also available through the centre’s Facebook page.          

All events are free to the Public and free copies of the Weekend Times Edition are available to all visitors on the day.

The programme is subject to change.

Full programme details are available here

DL Brochure_Walled Towns Day 2012.pdf 

The award winning Athenry Heritage Centre will be transformed into a cavern of Christmas cheer with craft activities, face-painting and a visit to Santa in his homely house.

Discover a magical place of lights and festive decorations in the ambient setting of St. Mary’s Church, Athenry.

Meet Santa’s Elves in the craft areas where children can make Christmas gifts and cards. There are cuddly toys and games for the very young and face-painting for all.

Let Mrs. Claus bring you to Santa who’s waiting with a gift for all the boys and girls.

The Athenry Heritage Centre creates a unique atmosphere of festive cheer for all the family. Visits to the centre last one hour and admission is every hour.

The Christmas Winter Wonderland commences on the 3^rd and 4^th of December at 12:00pm and doors close at 6:00pm.

Other dates for your diaries are the 10^th, 11^th, 17^th and 18^th December, opening times are 12:00 till 6:00pm.

From the 19^th - 23^rd December the centre will be open to visitors from 2:00pm until 6:00pm.

Admission is €15 per child and €2 per adult.

Check our Facebook page www.facebook.com/athenryheritagecentre.

Parents can book tickets through our website or contact the centre on 091 844661

The Athenry Heritage Centre's Halloween Spectacular commences this Sunday 30th October, with two shows at 2:00pm and 4:00pm. Reserve your tickets by email or contact 091 844661.

The centre will be transformed into a cavern of delight with spooks, ghosts

and things that go bump in the night. We have stories to thrill, music to

enchant and scary games to play. Have your face painted to scare one and

all plus great prizes for the best Halloween costume too!

Places limited so book early!

Tickets Only €3 per child €2 per adult

Contact 091 844661

or email

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The Athenry Heritage Centre in association with Galway County Council and the Irish Walled Towns Network presents 'National walled Towns Day 2006'. The day is a national celebration of all the Walled Towns of Ireland.

• The programme of events for Athenry include;
• The Leinster Re-Enactment Society,
• Galway Early Music,
• Your Mans PuppetShow,
• Craft Displays,
• Walking Tours and a illustrated talk on the walls by Professor Etienne Rynne.