- National Heritage Week runs from 15 to 23 August with theme Heritage at Risk
- Professor Tadhg O’Keeffe presents walking tour and evening lecture on 15 August
- Heritage Scavenger Hunt for families runs throughout the week
- Mountmellick Lace Exhibition displays original and contemporary works
- Tablet Weaving Workshop scheduled for 21 August as part of cultural series
The Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny has been preparing a week-long programme for National Heritage Week 2026, running from 15 to 23 August, with events including talks, exhibitions, demonstrations and family activities centred on this year’s theme of Heritage at Risk. The museum has scheduled a comprehensive schedule that explores medieval archaeology, historic clothing, traditional lace-making and hands-on family adventures, all designed to highlight the importance of preserving Ireland’s cultural heritage. The programme, which features contributions from renowned medieval archaeologist Professor Tadhg O’Keeffe of University College Dublin, will examine Kilkenny’s medieval heritage within its European context through two special events on Saturday, 15 August.
Professor O’Keeffe will lead an engaging walking tour through Medieval Kilkenny at 11 am, including a visit to St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower, followed by an evening lecture at the Medieval Mile Museum at 6 pm that explores how Kilkenny’s archaeology and architecture reflect its place within medieval Europe. Visitors have the option to attend either event individually or both for a more comprehensive understanding of the city’s remarkable heritage, with both events offered free of charge though booking remains essential. The museum has also introduced a brand-new Heritage Scavenger Hunt for families running throughout Heritage Week, inviting visitors to help Sir Richard the Museum Cat recover missing LEGO pieces while discovering endangered heritage crafts and traditions.
A special Mountmellick Lace Exhibition will be on display throughout the week, celebrating one of Ireland’s best-loved embroidery traditions with original examples displayed alongside newly created works by a local community group. Demonstrations will provide visitors with opportunities to observe the techniques firsthand, while workshops have also been scheduled. Dress historian Dr Melissa Shiels will present “Clean English Apparaill”: English and Gaelic Clothing in 16th Century Ireland on Thursday, 20 August, featuring authentic hand-sewn historical clothing that explores how dress reflected identity, status and culture in sixteenth-century Ireland. The celebrations continue on Friday, 21 August, with a Tablet Weaving Workshop as part of the museum’s Six After 6 Summer Cultural Series, offering participants the opportunity to learn one of Europe’s oldest textile crafts.
The museum shared in a written statement “From medieval archaeology and historic clothing to traditional lace-making and hands-on family adventures, the programme highlights the importance of preserving Ireland’s cultural heritage while bringing history to life for visitors of all ages. The Medieval Mile Museum will celebrate the traditions, skills and stories that connect us with our past while encouraging new generations to value and protect Ireland’s rich heritage.”
Heritage week
Events – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Donegal – Dublin – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick –Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Attractions
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth\ – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
