Nuacht | National Heritage Week 15-23 August 2020

Update: Heritage Week 2020

In light of the public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Heritage Council, in consultation with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, is considering what approach to Heritage Week 2020 might be appropriate and in line with public health safety.

We will continue to promote information about the theme of Heritage Week 2020, but will not produce any guidance on event organisation until it is appropriate to do so.

The Heritage Week website will be updated on a regular basis with any changes and guidance.

CANCELLED: Heritage Week Training Day 2020

Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, and in light of Government advice that all indoor gatherings of more than 100 people should be cancelled, the Heritage Council has taken the decision to cancel the upcoming Training Day in Portlaoise on Tuesday, 31st March. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Heritage Week 2020: ‘Heritage and Education: Learning from our Heritage’

We are delighted to share our theme for Heritage Week 2020: ‘Heritage and Education: Learning from our Heritage’.

Engaging with our shared heritage – in Ireland and across Europe – presents a rich source for learning, and an opportunity to rediscover and reconnect with the knowledge, traditions and skills of our ancestors

Ireland’s ‘heritage heroes’ celebrated at National Heritage Awards 2019

Eleven projects shortlisted for the National Heritage Awards 2019

20 free things to do on the second weekend of Heritage Week!

It’s the final weekend of National Heritage Week 2019, but don’t worry because there are still plenty of exciting events taking place right across the country! So make sure to take the opportunity this weekend to delve into Ireland’s Pastimes | Past Times and get involved in a Heritage Week activity near you, such as tracing your family tree; spending an evening at a pop-up Gaeltacht; or taking part in a Viking Heritage Day!

Here’s just a small flavour of some of the Heritage Week events taking place across Ireland this weekend.

Make a Splash this Water Heritage Day – Sunday, 25th August

With Water Heritage Day taking place this Sunday, 25^th August, here is a spotlight on some of the many events that are taking place across the country as part of the National Heritage Week programme.

20 free things to do on the first weekend of Heritage Week

It’s the eve of National Heritage Week 2019 and there a plenty of exciting events taking place during the first weekend of National Heritage Week! Take the opportunity this weekend to attend some free events happening across the country: attend a medieval day, go on a guided tour of a castle, learn how to recognise bird song or spend an hour visiting an archaeological dig in Glendalough!

Here are just some of the free Heritage Week events happening across Ireland this weekend!

If Trees Could Talk: celebrating the majesty of trees

The Heritage Council hosts eye-catching installation in Merrion Square to celebrate the heritage of our trees

Visit a castle or country house this Heritage Week!

Ireland is very lucky to have a wealth of wonderfully preserved castles and country houses scattered across the length and breadth of the country. So, whether you want to spend an afternoon strolling through the gardens of Kilkenny Castle, soak up the history of Derrynane House, or take in the views from the top of Trim Castle’s tower, there are plenty of options to explore this Heritage Week.

Here is just a small selection of castles, country houses and gardens which will be open, free of charge, on various dates between 17 – 25 August. Go and explore!

Let’s talk about heritage – our top ten Heritage Week talks

Heritage Week is all about getting involved, but sometimes, you just want to sit back and listen. There are talks on a whole range of topics this National Heritage Week: from beekeeping, to historical cures, to fairies. Attend with the whole family or take some time to yourself and become fully immersed in a topic of your choice.

Here are just some of the picks from the hundreds of Heritage Week talks happening across Ireland between 17 – 25 August.

A spotlight on 10 Heritage Week events for children and family

One of the great things about National Heritage Week is that it gives the whole family a chance to share new and exciting cultural experiences together. Whether you have a budding historian, a future artist, or an inspired archaeologist at home, there’s an event for all young heritage enthusiasts to enjoy.

Here are just some of our family friendly Heritage Week event picks. So get the family together this August and unravel the evolution of our pastimes, before the school holidays draw to a close. Oh, and don’t forget ‘Wild Child Day’ falls on Wednesday, 21^st August.