Open The Door To National Heritage Week Events Across The Country
National Heritage Week, one of Ireland’s largest cultural events, runs from Saturday 14th-Sunday 22nd August.
It is being marked locally by a series of heritage projects developed by groups across the country.
Local heritage groups and organisers, families, communities and individuals across the country have responded to this year’s call to ‘Open the door to heritage’, creating online projects that are free to explore throughout National Heritage Week.
Some in-person events will also take place, in line with public health guidelines.
Discover some of the National Heritage Week events happening around the country here.
Spanning natural, cultural and built heritage, projects aim to encourage ‘heritage newcomers’, as well as enthusiasts and experts, to engage with all aspects of Ireland’s heritage.
Special emphasis has been placed on engaging individuals and groups who may not traditionally feel included in local heritage, or organising projects that speak to lesser-known aspects of local heritage.
Commenting, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said:
"Ireland’s heritage is as rich and diverse as contemporary Ireland itself.
It is something that is shared by all of us and continually evolving.
In this spirit, National Heritage Week is an opportunity to come together and rally around Ireland’s unique heritage.
It is also a chance to show our appreciation for those who champion it at community, local and national level, ensuring its preservation, protection and celebration.
This year’s National Heritage Week offers something for every taste and interest, whether that is natural landscapes, wildlife and habitats, buildings and monuments, or customs and practices like art, sport and music.
I encourage people across Ireland to visit the National Heritage Week website and explore projects that might interest them, or find a local event to participate in. National Heritage Week is a special opportunity to reach out and connect with each other through Ireland’s wonderful, precious heritage.”
Two themed days will take place during National Heritage Week. On Wednesday, 18th August, Wild Child Day encourages children and families to explore the heritage in their locality.
On Sunday, 22nd August, the Heritage Council and the Local Authority Waters Programme invite people to explore National Heritage Week projects that celebrate water and our connections with it.
People interested in attending in-person events are advised to consult the individual event page on the National Heritage Week website, or contact event organisers for full details of registration and attendance, which is subject to the prevailing public health and events guidelines.
Coordinated by the Heritage Council since 2005, National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland’s largest cultural events.
It is supported by the Local Authority Heritage Officer network and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
