From 1698 to 1791, there were seventeen acts of parliament encouraging tree planting to attempt to reverse the process of de-forestation. Beginning in 1765, a tenant with a lease of at least twelve years could own the trees s/he planted. On the expiry of the lease, the trees were valued by a jury, and had […]
Westmeath Libraries hosted a delightful event in Kilbeggan library recently. On a beautiful Summer evening Anna Brown from Big Sky Flowers gave a demonstration on Jam Jar flower arranging. Anna provided everything necessary for the event participants to make their own lovely arrangements. She brought along a vast selection of gorgeous fragrant flowers for the […]
No Second Chances by Rio Youers, published Harper, 2022. Reviewed by Manus in Kilbeggan Library. At the center of No Second Chances is a villain you love to hate. The bearded, tattooed Johan Fly performs a hipster-Viking persona on social media, where he has a horde of adoring fans. But in his less public life […]
Over many decades in Westmeath, precious memories of times gone by have been recorded by groups and individuals in an effort to document what are often fading memories of our past. Now, Westmeath County Council, with funding from Creative Ireland, are undertaking a major audit of these collections, to compile a list for the first […]
Thomas Pakenham from Tullynally Castle talks about the archive held in Tullynally. The documents date from the 18th , 19th and 20th centuries and include maps, rent receiving books, and wage ledgers. The historic maps, some of which pre-date the Ordnance Survey maps, are beautifully executed and provide detail on the extent of landholdings and […]
Wonderful occasion this evening in Áras an Chontae, where Cathaoirleach Cllr Aengus O'Rourke official opened the Exhibition of 'Threading the Táin'. The tapestry recreates the story of An Táin Bó Cúailnge - the Cattle Raid of Cooley. The famous myth tells the tale of Queen Méabh of Connacht and her husband Ailill, who plot to […]
The latest Heritage and News from Westmeath Heritage Heritage Week runs from 13th – 21st August 2022. There’s lots planned and most events are Free! Copies of the Printed Guide to Heritage Week Events in Westmeath are now available from your local Library. Pick up a copy and start planning your week If you prefer […]
The ancient Royal Sites of Ireland were one of three successful bids to be included on Ireland’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Status, which was announced last week:https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/72ef0-ministers-announce-new-world-heritage-tentative-list-for-ireland/. The Royal Sites are: Emain Macha/Navan Fort (Co. Armagh) site of the Kings of Ulster, Dun Ailline (Co. Kildare) site of the King of Leinster, Rathcroghan […]
One of the great tales in Irish mythology, the Táin Bó Cúailnge - or the Cattle Raid of Cooley has been recreated on a giant tapestry. The famous myth tells the tale of Queen Méabh of Connacht and her husband Ailill, who plot to steal the sacred stud bull Donn Cuailnge from Ulster. The tale […]
We have events for all ages and interests, helping to inspire you to create the space you want to live in. From arts and crafts, to gardening and sustainability, there is sure to be something to interest you. Find out more about how can help you to inspire your world at the library by following […]