Cobh’s very own sweet carillon!

If you happen to be in Cobh this Sunday afternoon, you’re going to hear something beautiful and unique, whether you like it or not!

On the final day of National Heritage Week 2020, the haunting tones of the 49-bell carillon perched high in the tower of St Coleman’s Cathedral, will be heard far and wide during a special live performance.

St Colman’s carillon is the only such instrument in the Republic of Ireland and the largest in all of Ireland and Britain.

The special performance is one of 18 projects supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to highlight and raise awareness for Ireland’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Commenting on the projects, Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin underlined the importance of Ireland’s “living heritage” and the role it plays in defining Irish culture.

The minister said: “Our heritage is an integral part of our culture and initiatives such as this help to showcase our traditions, skills and practices and support their safeguarding for future generations.

Some of the other 17 projects include traditional crafts such as Boyne currach making, traveller tinsmithing, Limerick lace making, dry stone walling and wood engraving, as well as performances in theatre, dance, song, spoken word and storytelling.

The initiative will also showcase Ireland’s nine native dogs, the holy wells of county Claire, and a celebration of the Burren’s farming tradition of Winterage.

National Heritage Week 2020 began on 15 August and will run until 23 August.

For further information on Ireland’s Intangible Cultural Heritage and a full programme of events, visit nationalinventoryich.chg.gov.ie/.