Fermangh County Museum and the Trade Union Diversity Project are holding a number of heritage trails and activities which bring together local Fermanagh people, with migrant workers from Eastern Europe and farther afield.
So far, over 100 people have met to learn about the culture of Fermanagh and to share their experience of living elsewhere. The upcoming free events are:
Saturday 2 June 2007, 10.45am – 2pm - A Famine culture & history trail –
Visiting Enniskillen Workhouse, the Paupers' Graveyard in Irvinestown and Ardess Famine Pit near Kesh.
Saturday 9 June 2007, 2.30pm – 4pm - A Famine culture & history zone at Enniskillen Castle Museums.
Saturday 16 June 2007, 11am – 2pm - Gaelic & Plantation Fermanagh Trail
Visiting three Plantation Castles: Enniskillen, Tully and Monea.
Saturday 23 June 2007, 2.30pm – 4pm - Gaelic & Plantation Fermanagh Event at Enniskillen Castle Museums – The Medieval Maguire Castle will be brought to life with a living history event
Saturday 30 June 2007, 11am – 2pm - Devenish Island: Early Christian Culture & History Trail.
Travel on the St. Molaise to Devenish Island. Explore the Island of Oxen, the early Christian monastery and the later settlements on the island.
Saturday 7 July 2007, 2.30pm – 4pm - An Early Christian Culture Zone at Enniskillen Castle Museums.
Sarah McHugh Manager of Museum Services at Fermanagh County Museum said: "These trails and cultural activities are a wonderful way for people who have recently moved to Fermanagh to learn a little about the history and culture and what makes local people tick. On the other hand, local people can learn a little more about the migrant workers who have made their way to this county. My hope is that new friendships are created as everyone meets together and learns a little more about each other."
Davy Kettyles of the Trade Union Diversity Project said: "This project is an ideal way of exploding many myths about migrant communities and of giving migrants an insight into the people of Fermanagh. I hope that this is the beginning of many more partnerships with Fermanagh County Museum."
