An event from the Cuimhneamh an Chláir oral history archive for International Women’s Day

Friday 8 March 2024, 7pm, Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis

Cuimhneamh an Chláir is exploring the rich tapestry of Clare women’s voices in its archive and sharing some of their stories for International Women’s Day 2024.

Expect tales of domestic life and home crafts, but also of professional women and business owners in mid twentieth century Co. Clare. There are stories of independent women making their own matches, of childhood illnesses and mortality, of arriving as a young wife from India to 1960s Lahinch, and more.  Together these stories paint a nuanced picture of the lives of women through the late 19^th and 20th centuries in Co. Clare.

Please join us in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, Fri 8 March at 7pm for this International Women’s Day celebration.

The event is free and all are welcome.

Cuimhneamh an Chláir has been gathering and archiving the stories of Co. Clare for the last 15 years. Those stories are strongly linked to place and landscape and to our sense of identity as Clare people.

In 2024 Cuimhneamh an Chláir invites you to walk through those landscapes and stories in the company of local people who will act as your guides. They will introduce you to others along the way who will tell you stories of their own place.

The first Talking Landscapes walk on Sunday 28 January will take us around the beautiful and storied area of Moher in North Clare. You all know the Cliffs, but move south beyond Hags Head and you’re into an area surrounded by sea on three sides, and with a very particular identity. The area is steeped in folklore and history, and our guide through it is Moher native Martina McCarthy. Martina is a Heritage Officer with Waterways Ireland and grew up looking out at the ocean at the spot where the Irish Atlantis, the submerged land of “Cill Stiffeen” is reputedly located.

Walks will take place bi-monthly throughout the year, mostly in rural locations, but Clare towns will feature too. The walks are free but must be booked in advance. After booking you’ll be sent details of starting location, as well as Health and Safety information particular to the walks.