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Heritage Week in Ireland is part of a European Heritage Day's Initiative established by the Council of Europe in 1991. Gaining in popularity, the event has grown so that today, there are over 46 countries participating.
Ireland's contribution to the festivities is highlighted by over 400 special events, guided tours, lectures, music recitals, historical reenactments and art exhibitions.
Special events in the community of Youghal, Co. Cork were no exception. The week of September 21 - 28 saw an out-pouring and spirited participation from a broad spectrum of the community.
The celebration culminated on the weekend in a very special, first time event, the U.C.C. Academic Conference held on September 26 28. The conference drew numerous historians, scholars, preservationists, and educators who gathered to consider the historic resources and culture of the Blackwater River Basin area.
For Tynte's Castle, Heritage Week provided the perfect occasion to open to the public for the first time in many centuries as a historic and educational resource. Tynte's Castle, for many centuries a dominant feature on the Youghal skyline, has undergone extensive renovations in recent years. Although the Castle is listed in guidebooks as little more than a ruin, it is now being restored to its former glory. The Castle will play a new roll in community history by serving as a museum and educational resource center, interpreting the history of Youghal. The opening of Tynte's Castle to the public serves to reintegrate what can be considered a national treasure into Youghal's rich inventory of historic sites.
Tynte's Castle Museum's contribution to Heritage Week festivities included exhibits featuring the history of the castle and the Tynte family. In addition, there were displays featuring Castle reconstruction, and a very special inaugural exhibition featuring the historic photographs of Youghal taken by the Horgan Family of Photographers.
During the course of Heritage Week and the U.C.C. Academic Conference Tynte's Castle received over 1000 visitors from all walks of life.
Youghal's celebration of Heritage Week continues to grow. Plans are now are being made for this years celebration which will focus on the rich maritime history of the area.
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