Horizons

There's no show like an expo: A large-scale public environmental awareness exhibition goes ahead next weekend in the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin. National Greener Ireland Expo 2008 will host up to 100 stands from energy agencies, eco-businesses, environmental non-governmental organisations and renewable technology companies.

There will be free seminars on subjects ranging from car-sharing to how organic produce is certified. You can also find out how to reduce your personal carbon footprint and have an energy assessment carried out on your home. Eco-Unesco will host a youth programme throughout the weekend. Open 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. See also www.greenerireland.ie, 01-4131028.

The new home of heritage

The Heritage Council formally moved into its new offices in the former Church of Ireland Bishop's Palace, Church Lane, Kilkenny yesterday. The building, which has been renamed Áras na hOidhreachta, originated as a 14th-century tower block.

The last major building developments took place in the 18th century, when four apartments and a noble staircase were added. Áras na hOidhreachta will be open to the public today from noon until 4pm, during which time there will be free guided tours. See also www.heritagecouncil.ie.

Seed-swapping extravaganza

The Irish Seedsavers' Association in Scarriff, Co Clare, is hosting its first seed swap day tomorrow. The event will focus on sharing information on growing plants from seeds and swapping seeds and seedlings with fellow gardeners. Dr Charles Merfield, an organic expert from Teagasc, will speak about organic farming and Dave Langford will give a talk on the history of potatoes to celebrate the International Year of the Potato. Booking essential on 061-921866. See also www.irishseedsavers.ie.

Meanwhile, on April 27th at 3pm in Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co Cork, Dr Peter Wyse Jackson, director of the National Botanic Gardens, will speak about how gardens help to preserve our world plant heritage. His talk is part of a day-long gardening event with classes in herb and vegetable gardening and tree planting. More details on 021-4873308, www.colaistechoilm.ie.

Discovering Sliabh Aughty

The history and heritage of the Sliabh Aughty uplands in east Galway will be celebrated next Saturday at Slógadh Eachtaí, in Woodford village. Archaeologist and hill-walker Tamas Peter Vary will explore the area's history, while Anita Donaghy will talk about the birds of the area. See www.aughty.org for more details.

Meanwhile, a review of the Clare Heritage Plan will be central to a two-day conference in the Great Hall, Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, Co Clare on April 24th and 25th.

Access to heritage and recreational routes, the development of a local heritage network and the built heritage in the area will be the workshop themes. More details on 065-6821616, email mlynch@clarecoco.ie. 

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times