Bracknagh Heritage Society

02/06/2026

23/05/2026

🌱🌿Community Roots: New Living Willow Arch planted in Beechwood

​To celebrate Biodiversity Week, the Bracknagh Heritage Society has planted a beautiful new living willow structure on the green at Beechwood estate.
​The installation was created as the grand finale of our recent Heritage Willow Weaving course, which took place at Bracknagh Hall. The hands-on workshops brought together both societys committee members and local community residents to learn a traditional, eco-friendly craft.
​We thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working alongside master heritage willow weaver Beth Murphy. Throughout the course, Beth guided us through the fundamentals of the craft, showing everyone how to create a variety of smaller, intricate individual projects before we pooled our collective skills for the final build.
​Everyone involved was incredibly excited to cap off the course by constructing this impressive willow arch.
​Because it is a "living structure," the arch's journey is just beginning. It will take some time to establish its roots and grow, but over the coming seasons, it will transform. In time, the structure will burst into life, becoming a vibrant, green feature covered in an abundance of lush greenery and foliage that will make a highly attractive addition to our local village landscape.
​The Bracknagh Heritage Society would like to thank Beth Murphy and all the wonderful community members who lent a hand to bring this sustainable piece of living art to life!

A big thank you to our course sponcers Offaly Local Development Company

Offaly Heritage Bracknagh Community Association The Heritage Council Offaly County Council Offaly Public Participation Network Offaly Volunteer Centre

22/05/2026

The Bracknagh Heritage Society were delighted to organise willow expert Beth Murphy to give a workshop in St. Broghan's National School as part of Biodiversity Week. The children had a great day with Beth learning all about the wonderful Heritage craft of Willow Weaving.

The Heritage Council Offaly Heritage Bracknagh Community Association Offaly Public Participation Network Offaly Volunteer Centre

15/05/2026

What a fantastic night for our community! 🌟
​A massive thank you to the Bracknagh Community Association for their incredibly generous donation to local groups through the Joker Fund last night.
​It was wonderful to see such a brilliant turnout from all the different groups that represent Bracknagh.
Being in a room full of people dedicated to making Bracknagh a better place was amazing.
​We are delighted to have been a part of this occasion and to be one of the beneficiaries. This funding will go a long way in helping us tackle new community initiatives and continue our work on local projects.

​Together, we’re making a difference ✨️💫

Offaly Local Development Company Offaly County Council Offaly Volunteer Centre Offaly Public Participation Network

06/05/2026

We are postponing this event and will reschedule to a later date. Stay tuned for updates 🧐
Apologies for any inconvenience 🙂

01/05/2026

Happy May Day! 🌸✨
​Today we officially welcome the first day of summer and the beautiful festival of Bealtaine. It’s the time of year when the days get longer, the blossoms are in full swing, and everything feels brand new again. Whether you’re following the old tradition of decorating a May Bush with ribbons and primroses or simply heading out to soak up the morning dew, we wish you all a bright, sunny season ahead filled with growth and joy! 🌿☀️

25/04/2026

What a beautiful sunset over the fields of Bracknagh this evening 🌅

24/04/2026

🟩 BRACKNAGH HERITAGE SOCIETY PRESENTS
'GRASSROOTS WHAT'S IN A NAME'

FIELD NAMING PROJECT – PART 2 🌾
Following on from the success of last year's event during Heritage Week, where we gathered over 300 field names, we need you again to fill in the blanks 📝

Do you know the old or present day names of the fields around us?
Do you have stories or memories tied to the land?
Would you like to share the history that makes our place unique?

✨ WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

📅 WHEN: Sunday 10th May
⏰ TIME: 2:00 PM
📍 WHERE: Bracknagh Community Hall

Come along, bring your knowledge, your tales and your curiosity.
Enjoy a warm cup of tea, a friendly chat, and help us preserve our local heritage for future generations.

Everyone is welcome – whether you have lots to share or just want to listen and learn.

📢 Please share this post and invite others!

The Heritage Council Offaly County Council Bracknagh Community Association Offaly Local Development Company Offaly Heritage Offaly Public Participation Network Offaly Volunteer Centre Heritage Week @

21/04/2026

Happy World Curlew Day 2026!
Today, April 21st, we celebrate the Curlew, a bird whose "bubbling" call is a legendary part of Irish heritage. For generations, this bird has inspired Irish music and stories, acting as the true voice of the wild. Unfortunately, the Curlew is in a fight for survival; since the 1980s, Ireland has lost almost 96% of its breeding Curlews due to habitat loss and changes in our landscape, making them one of our most endangered species. To help, we can listen out for their iconic "cur-lee" call to appreciate this living history, learn more about protecting the bogs and wetlands they call home, and share their story to ensure the sound of the Curlew remains a part of Ireland's future rather than just its past.

The Heritage Council Offaly County Council Offaly Heritage Offaly Public Participation Network Bracknagh Community Association Offaly Local Development Company

17/04/2026

Willow Weaving was back this week with willow expert Beth Murphy. We learned about making basket bases and the diffrent techniques used.
Beth's knowledge is remarkably and we are learning so much about this Heritage craft!

Offaly Local Development Company The Heritage Council Offaly Public Participation Network Offaly Heritage Bracknagh Community Association Offaly Volunteer Centre