Announcing the National Heritage Week 2026 Ambassador
From teaching himself woodworking during lockdown to inspiring millions online, Cork craftsperson Eoin Reardon has been named the 2026 National Heritage Week Ambassador.
Announced during a visit to Eoin's workshop in Crossbarry, Co. Cork by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan TD, the appointment celebrates Eoin's success in bringing traditional skills and craftsmanship to a global audience.
National Heritage Week takes place from 15-23 August 2026, and this year's theme, "Heritage at Risk", shines a spotlight on the heritage we stand to lose if it is not protected, shared and passed on. This includes everything from historic buildings and archaeological sites to biodiversity, folklore, language and traditional skills.
From Grandfather's Tools to a Global Audience
Eoin's journey into woodworking began during lockdown when he inherited a set of tools from his grandfather. What started as a personal project soon grew into something much bigger. Today, Eoin has built an audience of more than five million followers across TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, where he shares traditional woodworking techniques and showcases heritage crafts through engaging videos. Working exclusively with hand tools, his projects often draw on Irish traditions, including building a currach, crafting shillelaghs and creating traditional wooden vessels known as noggins. His work demonstrates how traditional skills can find new relevance and appreciation in the digital age, helping to ensure they are not forgotten by future generations.
Why Heritage at Risk Matters
Speaking about his role as Ambassador, Eoin said he is particularly passionate about this year's theme. "National Heritage Week is an event I've been involved in for many years, so I'm delighted to be this year's ambassador. Teaching myself to turn wood with my grandfather's tools gave me an appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, which is why this year's theme of Heritage at Risk is so important to me. Helping to ensure these traditional skills aren't lost is something I'm really passionate about. National Heritage Week gives people a great opportunity to learn something new and, in turn, help preserve it for future generations."Eoin is encouraging people across Ireland to explore the heritage that exists in their own communities and discover the stories, traditions and skills that make their local areas unique.
[L - R] National Heritage Week Programme Manager, Ronan Healy, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, National Heritage Week Ambassador, Eoin Reardon, and Head of Communications & Public Affairs for The Heritage Council, Pearse Ó Caoimh, pictured at Eoin's workshop in Crossbarry, Co. Cork, to mark the announcement of Eoin as the 2026 National Heritage Week Ambassador.
Celebrating Heritage Across Ireland
National Heritage Week is now in its 26th year and has become Ireland's largest celebration of built, cultural and natural heritage. Every year, more than 2,500 events take place across the island, attracting almost half a million participants. The programme includes guided walks, historical tours, biodiversity events, craft demonstrations and family-friendly activities, with most events free to attend. Minister Christopher O'Sullivan welcomed Eoin's appointment, highlighting the important role that people like him play in connecting new audiences with Ireland's heritage. "Eoin Reardon's story is a wonderful example of how traditional skills can be shared with new audiences in creative and innovative ways. National Heritage Week celebrates the people, traditions and places that make our heritage so special, and I encourage everyone to explore the rich heritage that exists in their own communities."
Get Involved This August
Alongside thousands of events taking place nationwide, popular initiatives such as Heritage Open Doors, which provides access to historic sites not normally open to the public, and Wild Child Day, which encourages families to explore Ireland's natural and cultural heritage, will return this year. Whether you're interested in traditional crafts, local history, nature, folklore or architecture, National Heritage Week offers an opportunity to connect with Ireland's heritage and play a part in preserving it for the future. To find events happening near you, register your own event, or learn more about National Heritage Week, visit HeritageWeek.ie.
