Join us on Wednesday, October 23rd for ‘Historic Houses – An Autumn School’, a gathering of thinkers, speakers, listeners and enthusiasts of Ireland’s privately-owned built heritage. Be part of charting a course for a thriving future both at the centre of rural Irish tourism and as a compelling ambassador for Ireland Inc.
Hosted in collaboration with our partner Airbnb at glorious Burtown House in Co. Kildare, this inaugural Autumn School will invigorate big thinking around the future for Historic House tourism in Ireland.
A busy schedule of six talks will make for an enlightening day:
- BE OUR GUEST: hospitality in the 21st century: hear what guests want and how historic houses can provide it.
Award-winning food writer, Flavour.ie founder and Blas na hÉireann’s Producers’ Champion 2023 Kate Ryan in conversation with the Irish Examiner’s food and travel editor Jillian Bolger, hospitality learning and development specialist Karen Healy, and Ginger Aarons of Time Travel Tours.
- A BANQUET OF IDEAS: how to get your house involved in the vital and vibrant Irish food and drink sector.
Get ready to be inspired as moderator Kate Ryan discusses what it takes with Bertha’s Revenge Gin maker Justin Green, and David Walsh-Kemmis who has turned his passion for craft beers into a successful business at Ballykilcavan farm and brewery.
- FROM IDEAS TO EVENTS: how arts events large and small can transform your house’s reach and tap into Ireland’s thriving cultural scene.
Curious Gardens and MindField at Electric Picnic organiser Naoise Nunn, Richard Tyrone of Curraghmore House, home to Altogether Now, and Aoife Keogh of Whitestown House all bring complementary perspectives to this exciting subject.
· NATURE AND NURTURE: demystifying sustainable and environmental tourism and making it work for your house.
Carina Conyngham of Slane Castle and Jack Tenison of Lough Bawn Estate bring membership perspectives to rewilding, environmental responsibility and sustainability.
· BEYOND THE WALLS: Blurring real and perceived boundaries between houses and their communities.
Fionnuala Ardee of Killruddery House and Gardens talks fostering community engagement with Heritage Week organiser Ronan Healy and the OPW’s Head of National Monuments Mary Heffernan amongst others.
· OPENING THE GATES: land access for the general public – the modern answer to an age-old question.
Keep Ireland Open Chair Robert Dowds and Mark Hewlett of Castleacre Insurance will have insights aplenty for owners considering opening to the public together with their fellow guests.
About Historic Houses of Ireland:
Founded in 2008, Historic Houses of Ireland represents approximately 200 historic properties in private ownership ranging in size from iconic castles to modest country houses and thatched cottages.
Many of its member houses have been in the hands of the same families for generations but a growing number were more recently acquired by passionate new owners. All, however, are dedicated to preserving their homes for coming generations and for the good of Irish heritage.
Historic Houses of Ireland is funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland.
To purchase tickets:
Contact: Mary Hegarty – admin@ihh.ie
Website:www.ihh.ie