Who organises National Heritage Week?
The Heritage Council coordinates and promotes National Heritage Week nationally and many organisations and individuals take part in National Heritage Week by organising projects and events around the country. The Heritage Council first began coordinating the week in 2005 and since then it has gone from strength to strength with over 1000 events and projects organised and shared on the National Heritage Week website last year.

Can anyone organise an event or project for National Heritage Week?
Yes, any organisation, individual, business or community group can organise an event or project for National Heritage Week. To participate, organisers must upload their event details or completed project to the National Heritage Week website.

How can I register an event or project?
You can now register as an organiser on the Organise a Event / Project page on the National Heritage Week website from Wednesday 1st May 2024.

What is the deadline for uploading an event or project for National Heritage Week?
The deadline for uploading events or projects to www.heritageweek.ie is Tuesday, 27th August.

What kind of events and projects are suitable to organise?
All sorts of events and projects can be organised. Events and projects can cover all areas of heritage including forests and woodlands, wildlife, geology, coastal and marine, lakes & wetlands, rivers, landscapes, gardens & parks, folklore, genealogy, historic buildings, archives, industrial heritage, inland waterways, archaeology, local history, military, historic collections, sport, traditional skills, transport and walled towns.

In addition to developing new research, events and projects could also revisit or build on a heritage project which may already have been started at an individual, family or community level. This could include showcasing research already done on a monument, a waterway, or a skill or tradition in the community, and finding new ways to grow awareness of it or including groups or individuals in your community who may not feel included in local heritage.

The results of digital projects should be presented in a format that can be shared widely, for example an online talk or exhibition; a video; podcast or oral history recordings; a PowerPoint presentation, newsletter, dedicated website or blog; or via an interview with a local radio station or newspaper. A dedicated, moderated social media account could also be included as part of project outputs.

What is the National Heritage Week 2024 theme?
This year, organisers are asked to consider the theme of Connections, Routes and Networks" when developing their event or project. For more information on these themes, visit the Organise an Event / Project page.

How can my community benefit from organising an event or project during National Heritage Week?
National Heritage Week provides the opportunity to bring your community together (including virtually) to learn new skills, make new connections and engage with your local heritage. The week provides a fantastic opportunity for communities to showcase the natural and cultural heritage in their area, engage audiences new to heritage and attract visitors and raise the profile of your town or village.

How can I promote my heritage event or project within my community?
There are many ways you can promote your heritage event or project within your community. These include posters, local radio, local press, social media and word of mouth. The Heritage Council will be providing support to organisers in the lead up to National Heritage Week to help you consider how best to promote your event or project. To get updates on these supports, sign up to the National Heritage Week newsletter.

Is National Heritage Week promoted nationally?
Yes, The Heritage Council promotes National Heritage Week with a national advertising, marketing and PR campaign.

Can I reserve tickets for an event via the National Heritage Week website or phone?
No, all ticketing is managed by individual event organisers only. Please be in touch with the organiser to reserve tickets or make enquiries.

What are the 2024 Heritage Award categories?
Full details about the Heritage Awards will be announced shortly.

I own a heritage property that qualifies for Revenue credit under Section 482. Do I have to open the property to the public during National Heritage Week 2024?
In line with Revenue guidance, as part of the 40-day opening requirement for heritage properties, access must be available during all of National Heritage Week (to the extent that it falls within the period 1 May - 30 September) where qualifying expenditure is incurred in a particular chargeable period. However, all properties must note public health guidance at the time of Heritage Week and ensure that any activity is in line with this guidance.

Does National Heritage Week provide grant funding for events or projects?
No, funding for National Heritage Week events and projects must be sought elsewhere. Please contact your Local Authority Heritage Officer if you have further queries.

How do I organise insurance for an event?
Each individual organiser is responsible for ensuring that the appropriate level of insurance is in place for their event. Contact your insurer to find out what level of insurance you need.

What should I do if the in-person event I organise has to be cancelled?
If an in-person event has to be cancelled, please ensure you make every effort to notify your potential audience through as many means possible. In the event of an event being cancelled, event organisers must make every effort to communicate this locally and place notification with apologies at the designated meeting place to ensure that anyone who turns up is not needlessly waiting.

Also please inform us at heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie so we can update the website listings and communicate the cancellation nationally if necessary.

Who should I contact if I require further information about National Heritage Week?
Should you require further information, please contact the Heritage Council at 056 7770777 or heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie.