MORE THAN 1,550 heritage events are taking place around the country over the next five days with a view to protect and enhance the richness, quality and diversity of Ireland’s national heritage.

National Heritage Week is providing an exciting look at Irish culture, and will see everything from archaeology, traditional skills, and historical re-enactments explored – and heritage properties not usually open to the public unlocked.

More than 600,000 people are expected to take part in the festival and most of the events are free. A list of events can be checked by location and category through the free iPhone / Android Heritage Week Event App or through heritageweek.ie.

Check out some of the highlights for today…

Clashleigh Open House & Garden, Tipperary – (Open for heritage week)

18th – 26th August 09.00 -13.00 (€8 per person)

Clashleigh House is a period Georgian home with fine antique furniture and objects throughout. Built in 1810 on the site of an earlier 18th century dwelling, it is a fourteen acre walled estate nestled in a tranquil valley near the lovely Knockmealdown Mountains. The private house and gardens are being opened especially for Heritage Week. Contact Address: Clashleigh House, Clogheen, Co Tipperary.

The Casino Tails of Marino Mice with the 18th Century Mouse Master, Dublin

22 August : 15:00 – 16:00 (free)

Visit the MouseMaster at the Casino Marino and unravel the riddle of the Mysterious Mice of this 18th Century garden temple. Visitors are advised to book ahead, as places are limited. Venue: Casino Marino, Cherrymount Crescent, off the Malahide Road, Marino, Dublin 3. Telephone: 01-8331618.

Tracing Your Family History, Wicklow County Council Archives Service

22 August : 19:00 – 20:30 (free)

Join this illustrated talk on tracing your family history, including an introduction to the main sources and a question and answer session. The talk will describe the main sources for family history research, how to use them and where they are located. Venue: Wicklow Branch Library, Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow Town, County Wicklow.

Uploaded by HeritageWeek

National Heritage Week 2012 will run from the 18th to the 26th of August