Burren Winterage Weekend, October 24th-26th

Looking for something original to do this October Bank holiday weekend? Why not join in a unique Burren celebration which honour’s the generations of Burren farmers, take part in re-enactments of ancient pastoral traditions and Samhain pursuits; enjoy the songs, stories, heritage and food of the Burren landscape and experience the Burren from the farmers perspective. For hundreds of years, Burren farmers have marked the end of summer by herding their cattle up onto winter pastures in the limestone uplands, in the tradition known as winterage and the Burren is one of the only places in the world where it still occurs. Winterage has been integral to shaping today’s familiar Burren landscape.

Along with the local community, the Burrenbeo Trust is coordinating the 2014 Burren Winterage Weekend (October 24th -26th) which celebrates this fascinating farming heritage and the broader significance of pastoral farming in the Burren and beyond. The weekend includes an intriguing range of events themed around 'people, food and nature' including Sharing @ Samhain (a community feast of local produce open to all), a Burren Winterage School (focusing on the theme of sustainable farming in Ireland) and a series of farmer-led Herdsman’s Walks across some of the finest winterages in the Burren. There is a choice of two Herdsman’s Walks – one beginning in Gortlecka and the other in Fanore. Booking is essential and places are filling up fast.

Interactive Talks, an Open Farm, Family Fun and an amazing Food Fayre of local produce will also take place. The weekend will culminate in the Winterage Cattle Drove, which will be held this year in Turlough, where you can join local farmers in herding their cattle onto the high Burren where the cattle will remain for the winter. The Winterage Weekend is a non-profit event which depends on the good will of a great many people. To cover the costs of running this event raffle tickets are available - which will give the holder entry to most of the events during the weekend, so you can’t lose! These will be on sale for €5 prior to the weekend in Kinvara (Burrenbeo Office) and during the weekend at the different events. Pick up a programme locally or visit the www.burrenwinterage.com website for details of all the events. For more information or bookings please contact trust@burrenbeo.com or 091-638096.