National Heritage Week 2026 takes place across Ireland from August 15 to August 23, 2026. Coordinated by The Heritage Council, this year’s core theme is “Heritage at Risk,” focusing on endangered built, natural, and cultural traditions.
Thousands of free local events—including guided tours, historical talks, craft workshops, and open days, are held nationwide, bringing together local communities, historical societies, and wildlife enthusiasts to host hands-on and immersive activities:
Participants can explore old towns, vulnerable coastlines, biodiversity trails, and architectural landmarks, watch experts practice endangered skills like stone-cutting, straw-craft, and wool-spinning and enjoy free entry to select national monuments, historic houses, and partner properties, such as select Office of Public Works locations during the opening weekend and attend local library lectures, folklore storytelling sessions, genealogy workshops, and digital archiving projects highlighting local heritage preservation
Arts & Living History Festivals
- Snáitheana / Threads Festival, 10:30, King John’s Castle, Nicholas Street, Limerick: Four local craft groups celebrate traditional lace making, weaving, spinning, and patchwork with live demonstrations.
- Viking Ireland Workshops & Archaeology Tours, Check drop-in times locally, National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin: Free drop-in workshops about Vikings and guided tours of ancient Irish collections.
Architecture & Garden Tours
- Restoration Tour of Rothe House, 10:30, Rothe House & Garden, 16 Parliament Street, Kilkenny: A look at the pioneering 1960s building restoration and Ireland’s only fully restored Renaissance garden.
- Lismore Castle Gardens Exploration, 11:00, Lismore Castle Gardens, Lismore, Co. Waterford: A scenic historical walk through the beautiful castle grounds and contemporary arts venue.
Heritage Walks & Ancient Folklore
- Marlfield Walk with Ink Workshop, 10:00, Marlfield Lake, Marlfield, Co. Tipperary: A guided walk discovering local nature and culture, paired with a hands-on art session using traditional materials.
- Rock Art & The River Behy Walk, 11:00, Glenbeigh National School (Meeting Point), Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry: An archaeologist-led mountain walk exploring ancient human-made rock markings and Lughnasadh harvest folklore.
- Lughnasagh Celebration at Spás Studio, 18:30, Bearna Golf & Country Club, Corboley, Bearna, Co. Galway: A community harvest gathering featuring traditional Irish movement, Sean-nós culture, and an outdoor fire-pit.
Children & Family Events
- Documenting Athlone Castle’s Collection, 11:00, Abbey Road Artists’ Studios, Abbey Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath: A free museum detective workshop for children aged 7 to 12 to handle and photograph real castle artifacts.
- Family Concert at the Lighthouse, Morning (Check local weather), Valentia Island Lighthouse, Cromwell Point, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry: A family music concert set against a historic seaside lighthouse. Bring your own cushions!
Traditional Music & Food Culture
- Traditional Singing Workshop, 15:00, The Crane Bar, 2 Sea Road, Galway: Learn traditional Irish songs with an All-Ireland champion, followed by a relaxed singing circle.
- International Tea Ceremony, 14:00, Nano Nagle Place, Douglas Street, Cork City: Explore historical stories and cultural rituals at this multi-cultural tea ceremony event.
- Pig, Pints & Proper Stories, 13:00, Blarney Brewing Co., Commons Road, Cork: An afternoon celebrating regional food and drinks paired with traditional Cork storytelling.
External link
Official Heritage Week site with updates and list of events.
Heritage week
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
Archaeology
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
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
Castles
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\
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