Building of the Boat headlining National Heritage Week offerings in Dunfanaghy

The Workhouse in Dunfanaghy are hosting a range of events this year for Ireland's National Heritage Week.

The week runs from Saturday, August 17, to Sunday 25, and this year's theme is "Connections, Routes and Networks".

The headlining event this year is a performance of Building of the Boat which will take place on Saturday, August 24 at 12pm and 3pm.

Building of the Boat performs the creation of a Dunfanaghy Currach in poetry, contemporary dance and soundscape. It celebrates the community of the ‘meitheal’, the Irish language associated with the craft, and its connection with currach builders stretching back generations. The event ties in strongly to this year's National Heritage Week theme.

The Dunfanaghy Workhouse is home to a Dunfanaghy currach, which lends itself to a transformative performance, placing the audience at the centre of the experience for a meaningful and lasting exchange. Building of the Boat ensures the survival and diversification of a native tradition in a space where everything is possible.

Building of the Boat will be performed by Cork native poet Keith Payne, contemporary dancer Inma Pavon and sound artist Mick O’Shea. This project is completely one of a kind. It is taking a traditional Irish heritage craft and showcasing it through a modern and creative lens. This project has been supported by the Donegal Culture and Creativity Project Fund 2024.

Tickets can be purchased at €10 each at The Workhouse, Dunfanaghy or call The Workhouse at 074 913 6540 to purchase over the phone. For more information about this unique event running during National Heritage Week please do not hesitate to contact The Workhouse.