2024 Walled Town Festival Events
We cannot wait to see you this year. From guided walks to a deep dive through local history. A week long overview of everything you wanted to know about the history of Bandon, but didn't know who to ask. We have them here this August.
Riverview Shopping Centre is the home of our Family Fun Day on Sunday 25th August and it is going to be great, we are thrilled to have The School of Irish Archaeology are back, we have new workshops for you to try your hand at past skills, and music, stalls and more.
From battle reenactments, to juggling, taking part in an archaeological dig, Heritage Skills display such as coin-making and fun and games there is something for everyone at our family fun day when we bring Bandon of yester-year to life.
Talks and Walks
Over the course of Heritage Week join us for a series of historical talks covering a variety of topics. From distilling to folk cures - there is something to interest every appetite.
Take part in our guided walks around areas of Bandon showcasing the history within the walls that stood back in the 1600's.
Family Fun Day
We are so looking forward to seeing you all on 25th August for our fantastic FREE family fun day. THis year we are moving location to RIVERVIEW SHOPPING CENTRE
Bringing the past to life through play. Our family fun day on Sunday 21st August brings history to life for young and old. There is something for everyone.
Battle re-enactments, heritage skill displays and interactive workshops bring the 1600's roaring up to the 21st century!
Music and Performance
2024 we welcome Cork Baroque orchestra for Pitched battles - it could be murder on 16th Century dance floor! at Bandon Methodist Church.
Family workshop - Horrible Harmonies and histories.
This year we welcome Reidun Schlesinger performing our free lunchtime Harp recital and workshop focussing on the music of Sliabh Luachra.
Family River Event
Take me to the River:
Sunday 18th August
2 - 4:30 p.m.
Meet at Bandon Footbridge
Be a water hero! Come along and find out what lives in the River Bandon. Come and take part in kick-sampling, ID micro-invertebrates, see how to assess water health, pond dipping and the story of source - sea of the famous Ban Dea. Book with Elaine of Wise Water Academy at the link below.
The Town Wall at St. Peter's
Wednesday 21st August
2:00pm
Meet at door of St. Peter's Church
Come and meet James Byrne of Southgate Associates as he gives a guided talk and walk around the town walls surrounding St. Peter's Church and highlights their importance and heritage and discussing the works being planned for their rescue funded through IWTN Capital Grant and Heritage Council.
No booking required
Book Signing at Bandon Books
with Cecily Gilligan
Friday 23rd August
4:30 pm Bandon Books
Riverview Shopping Centre
Cures of Ireland
A Treasury of Irish Folk Remedies
Cecily Gilligan
Almost everyone in Ireland, particularly in rural communities, will know of someone with a ‘cure’. It might be for the mumps or for a stye in the eye, indeed the author of Cures of Ireland, Cecily Gilligan was herself cured
of jaundice and ringworm by a ‘seventh son’ in her local Sligo during her childhood. Cecily Gilligan has been researching the rich world of Irish folk medicine
for almost forty years, interviewing people around the country who possess these mystical cures, their families and those who have benefited
from their gifts.
While the Ireland of the twenty-first century continues to develop at lightning speed, economically,
socially, and culturally, there is something deeply comforting in the fact these ancient healing
traditions, while fewer in number, do survive. But the balance between their extinction and survival
is delicate, and so Cures of Ireland is a book that will be treasured by many generations to come.
About the Author
Cecily Gilligan grew up and lives in rural County Sligo. She has a degree in Social Science and a
Masters in Women’s Studies from UCC, and is a primary school teacher. As well as a lifelong interest
in folklore, much of which she learned from her grandmother, Cecily is a keen hill-walker, sailor,
world traveller, and a strong supporter of Irish culture and language. She is also a campaigner for
the protection of human rights and the environment, locally and globally.