News Release -
19th Century Harvest Traditions to be rekindled at Bunratty Folk Park
Shannon Heritage, the Shannon Development tourism subsidiary, will celebrate a traditional 19th century Harvest Day at Bunratty Folk Park, Co. Clare, from 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm on Sunday 30th September ‘07.
“At Bunratty Folk Park we are always looking at ways to present an accurate portrayal of all aspects of 19th century rural life. Harvest Day is an annual event which gives us an opportunity to create a cameo from the past, and to give visitors, especially our younger visitors, a chance to enjoy living history. This is just one in an annual calendar of events we have devised at Bunratty Castle and Folk park to meet the growing from our domestic visitors, among other events are; a Halloween experience, a magical Christmas experience, and a mediaeval festival which we hold in June,” says Mr. John Ruddle, chief executive, Shannon Heritage.
The family day, organised around the traditional harvest, will show what 19th century rural life was like in an educational and fun way. Harvest traditions from over 100 years ago will be brought to life by farm workers. A vintage threshing machine will be used to demonstrate the art of threshing.
In olden days harvest time created a sense of urgency, especially before the arrival of the harvesting machinery. Everybody in the community was called out to help, men and women, young and old, master, workpeople, and neighbours.
At other times of the year each group had its own work, the men in the fields, the women in the house, and the children at school. Only at harvest time were they all together engaged in the same work. With fine weather and the promise of abundance, it was only natural that there were jokes, pranks, and general merriment, with the anxious farmer unwilling to dampen the high spirits, but trying to ensure that these did not hold up the work.
Visitors to Bunratty Folk Park on Sunday next will be given a flavour of rural Irish life over 100 years ago. The Bean a Ti’s will demonstrate the art of bread baking and butter making. The village school master will be greeting children and looking for them to hand over their customary sod of turf for the tiny school room fire. Visitors will also be able to experience live horse shoe demonstrations at the forge and a sheaf throwing competition.
Younger visitors to the Folk Park will be encouraged to leave their parents in school while they enjoy the atmosphere created by the musicians and strawboys who will be performing around the Folk Park during the afternoon.
All are welcome to enjoy traditional storytelling by the resident Seanachai, and the village policeman in his 19th century uniform will be on site to create an ‘arresting experience’ if the harvest celebrations get out of hand.
A full listing of events and the times for each will be on view at the reception to Bunratty Folk Park. A special family ticket will be available for €32.50 covering admission for two adults and up to four children. Adult admission is €14.00, admission for senior citizens is €7.95 and student rate €9.50, child €9.00. No reservations necessary. For further information please contact: Tel: 061- 360788 or visit www.shannonheritage.com
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For further information please contact:
Nandi O’Sullivan
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +353 61 710259
Mobile: +353 86-2371510
Fax: 061 363180
E-mail: Click Here