Heritage ambassadors sought

The co-ordinators of National Heritage Week, which takes place nationwide from August 18 until August 26, have this week issued a call for people to get involved by becoming a county ambassador. The Heritage Council's "County Ambassador Volunteer Programme" is looking to recruit volunteers in all counties across Ireland for the weeklong initiative. Located in the local tourism information office for the week, county ambassadors will provide tourists with information about what's happening in the local area as part of National Heritage Week. Training and support will be provided for volunteers by the Heritage Council and Failte Ireland in the week beginning August 13. Communications manager at the Heritage Council Isabell Smyth said the diversity of events taking place during Heritage Week makes it unique. "In addition to thousands of Irish people who enjoy Heritage Week each year, the reality is that Ireland's heritage is also a key attraction for overseas visitors," she said. "Recognising the opportunity to engage with tourists while they are here on holidays, the Heritage Council developed the County Ambassador Volunteer Programme. Last year was the inaugural year of the programme and it was a huge success. This year our aim is to recruit more volunteers and spread the word about National Heritage Week." County ambassadors should ideally have an interest in the local area and heritage and be keen to share this interest with others. The deadline for applications is Friday next, August 10. You can find out more by logging on to www.heritageweek.ie. Heritage week listings are available on the same site as well as in tourist offices, libraries, OPW sites, bus stations and county council offices.