Things to see and do Ireland

Lughnasa at Craggaunowen

‘Lughnasa’, honoured the Celtic god Lugh of the Tuatha de Danann, god of arts and crafts, and ushered in the harvest season. Lughnasa is a petition to the divine for a successful harvest, and it marks the first day of autumn, and thus the start of the harvest season. Lugh dedicated the festival to his foster mother Tailtiu. Tailtiu, the last queen of the Fir Bolg, died of exhaustion after clearing a huge expanse of forest for the planting and cultivation of crops. At the end of the summer harvest, a festival of games and skills were held in honour of Tailtiu. As well as several showcase events at specific times during the days, the Festival will have a multitude of ongoing displays at Craggaunowen visitor attraction, demonstrating various aspects of Ireland's history and heritage, from different time periods with showcase events such as a Brehon Law Trial and a hand-to-hand combat demonstration. The event will be staged by the Mogh Historical Re-enactment Society whose members are from Clare, Limerick & Cork. The group has many years of experience as historical interpreters and are living history specialists. Members of the Mogh Roith will give a unique glimpse of what living conditions were like for Celtic families living in a Crannóg from costume, demonstrating and discussing aspects of Bronze Age and Iron Age technology and lifestyle. Also on show will be a range of replica Bronze Age clothing, artefacts, weapons and jewellery, for the public to inspect. Described as Ireland's Golden Age the Early Christian period will also be brought to life for visitors. The action will be based around the Ringfort at Craggaunowen where a range of aspects of life from 8th Century Ireland will be demonstrated, including textile production, cooking, combat displays and Brehon law courts. The Medieval period will be recreated at 16th century Craggaunowen Castle. Visitors will be able to see demonstrations of 16th century costume production and also gain an insight into 15th & 16th century military life with a display of costumes, arms and armour. Also, don't forget to check out the display of replica jewellery from the period. There will also be a display of Roman and Celtic military life and visitors will be treated to a unique combat demonstration between the Romans and the Celts! A legendary Irish chariot which is a reconstruction based on High Cross carvings and literary references will also be on display for visitors to view. A programme of events has been organised and visitors will be notified of the time and location of these events at the Craggaunowen admissions building. Normal Admission Rates Apply. Please check out our website at www.shannonheritage.com or call 061.360788.

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