Walled Towns Day Sept 2008

Large Crowds at Athenry’s Walled Towns Day

Over 17OO people celebrated ‘Walled Towns Day’ in Athenry’s Castle and the Heritage Centre on the 24th August 2008. There was a diverse programme of events which included battle re-enactments, storytelling, and demonstrations of early Celtic horns, Craft displays, a Religious Medieval Drama and a Medieval Magician. The day commenced with the bells of St. Mary’s and the Church of the Assumption ringing out the ‘Fields of Athenry’, which began the day’s celebrations.

Visitors enjoyed a day without the rain and were entertained by a unique group of performers in the grounds and in the Great Hall of Athenry Castle.

The Heritage Centre provided have-a-go archery, face-painting and balloons with an image of the town’s Mace & Seal were handed out to the children. Due to the fine weather visitors both local and from the wider community stayed for the day and discovered the unique historical features of Athenry.

The organisers wish to thank Failte Ireland, Galway County Council, the OPW, Fiona Cannon and the staff of Athenry Castle and Civil Defence lead by Joe Dennison for their support in making Walled Towns Day 2008 a success.