Harvest traditions from over 100 years ago will be brought to life at Bunratty Folk Park, when a traditional 19th century Harvest Day will be held by Shannon Heritage, Shannon Development’s tourism subsidiary company from 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm on Sunday 24th September ‘ 06.
One of the highlights of the day will be the vintage threshing machine in the haggard at the Folk Park. Visitors can watch the crew of farmers at work, demonstrating the art of threshing, as they separate the grain from the sheaves.
In olden days threshing was backbreaking work, which started early in the mornings and continued until the end of the day with neighbours and friends all gathering to help out. The machine, and all the activity about it, had a special attraction for children. Its moving belts, the noise from inside and the way it put out straw and oats, was as intriguing back then as the latest computer game is today.
The harvest time created a sense of urgency, especially before the arrival of the harvesting machinery. Everybody in the community was called out to help, men and women, young and old, master, workpeople, and neighbours.
At other times of the year each group had its own work, the men in the fields, the women in the house, and the children at school. Only at harvest time did they all come together and engaged in the same work. With fine weather and the promise of abundance, it was only natural that there were jokes, pranks, and general merriment, with the anxious farmer unwilling to dampen the high spirits, but trying to ensure that these did not hold up the work.
Visitors to Bunratty Folk Park on Harvest Sunday will enjoy a flavour of rural Irish life over 100 years ago. The Bean a Ti’s will demonstrate the art of bread baking and butter making. The village school master will be greeting children and looking for them to hand over their customary sod of turf for the tiny school room fire.
Younger visitors to the Folk Park will be encouraged to leave their parents in school while they enjoy the atmosphere created by the musicians and Strawboys who will be performing around the Folk Park during the afternoon.
All are welcome to enjoy traditional storytelling by the resident Seanachai, and the village policeman in his 19th century uniform will be on site to create an ‘arresting experience’ if the harvest celebrations get out of hand.
Younger children in particular will enjoy the newly opened playground at the top of the Village Street. Based on a miniature castle, the playground includes a playhouse, slides swings, ramparts, and a maze.
“At Bunratty Folk Park we are always anxious to present an accurate portrayal of all aspects of 19th century rural life. Harvest Day is an annual event which gives us an opportunity to create a cameo from the past, and to give visitors, especially our younger visitors, a chance to enjoy living history”, says Mr. John Ruddle, Chief Operations Officer, Shannon Heritage.
A full listing of events and the times for each will be on view at the reception to Bunratty Folk Park. Special family tickets will be available; €29.50 for two adults and six children; €27.50 covering admission for two adults and up to four children; €25.50 for two adults and two children; adult admission is €10.50, and admission for senior citizens €6.95 and students is €8.50. No reservations necessary. For further information please contact: Tel: 061-360788.
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Nandi O’Sullivan
Senior Press Officer
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