Discover Five Exciting Events in Leinster for National Heritage Week

9 Lúnasa 2024

National Heritage Week is an annual celebration of Ireland's rich cultural and natural heritage, featuring a variety of events across the country. Here are five notable events taking place in Leinster, each offering a unique way to engage with the region's history and culture.

1. Photography Workshop at Clara Library

Join Jeff Harvey, a local professional photographer, for an interactive workshop on preserving and archiving your photographs. Perfect for both digital and printed photos.

Date: August 21st, 6pm - 7pm
Location: Clara Library, Offaly
More info: Photography Workshop with Jeff Harvey

2. Musical Afternoon at Old Mellifont Abbey

Join us for a magical musical afternoon as the Navan Silver Band performs live in the stunning cloister of Old Mellifont Abbey. Immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a captivating performance in one of Ireland's most historic sites.

Date: August 25th
Location: Old Mellifont Abbey, Co. Louth
More Info: Musical Afternoon with the Navan Silver Band

3. Donard Village Evening Bat Walk

Join an evening walk in Donard Village to discover the nocturnal wildlife and learn about the village's natural and historical heritage. This event includes an introduction by ecologist Faith Wilson and is part of a conservation project funded by The Heritage Council.

Date: 21st August
Location: Donard Community Hall, Co. Wicklow
More Info: Donard Village Evening Bat Walk

4. Exploring Rathfarnham Castle

Visit Rathfarnham Castle to uncover its architectural and historical significance. Guided tours will showcase the castle's transformation over the centuries, highlighting its role in Irish history.

Dates: Throughout National Heritage Week
Location: Rathfarnham, Dublin
More Info: Rathfarnham Castle

5. Kilkenny Witch Trials Tour

Step back in time and delve into the chilling history of the Kilkenny Witch Trials with our exciting walking tour! Celebrating the 700th anniversary, this immersive experience will take you to the very sites where these notorious events unfolded.

Dates: 17th August
Location: St Francis Abbey Brewery site, Parliament Street, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny
More Info: Historic Kilkenny Walking Tour

These events offer a wonderful opportunity to explore and celebrate Leinster's heritage. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or architecture, there's something for everyone to enjoy during National Heritage Week. Don’t forget to use the hashtags to be a part of the online conversation when promoting your event!

#HeritageWeek2024 #ConnectionsRoutesandNetworks #SeachtainOidhreachta2024

Nuacht

Tuilleadh Nuachta

National Heritage Week Awards 2026 - Winners and Runners-up Announced

The National Heritage Week Awards 2026 ceremony took place on Thursday, 29 October 2026, celebrating the individuals, community groups and organisations whose outstanding events helped showcase and protect Ireland's built, natural and cultural heritage.

The 2026 Awards recognise the most engaging and inspiring events from National Heritage Week 2026. Over the course of nine days from 15–23 August, communities across Ireland came together to celebrate local heritage through walks, talks, workshops, exhibitions, performances and family events. This year's theme, Heritage at Risk, encouraged people to explore and protect the places, traditions, skills and stories that form an important part of our shared heritage.

National Heritage Week 2026 Heritage Hero Announced

The Heritage Council is delighted to share that the 2026 National Heritage Week Heritage Hero has been awarded to Gearóid O'Brien for his lifelong dedication to preserving, promoting and celebrating the heritage of Athlone and Ireland.

The Heritage Hero award honours an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding, long-term contribution to the protection and promotion of Ireland's heritage. Unlike the other categories, this award is based solely on public nominations and is considered a lifetime achievement award.

Craobhiomaitheoirí Náisiúnta na Seachtaine Oidhreachta Náisiúnta 2026 á bhFógairt

Aithnítear i nGradaim na Seachtaine Oidhreachta Náisiúnta obair eagraithe imeachtaí na Seachtaine Oidhreachta Náisiúnta ó thaobh imeachtaí a chruthú agus a chur ar siúl ina gceiliúrtar ár n-oidhreacht thógtha, nádúrtha agus chultúrtha.

Saothraíonn eagraithe imeachtaí ó áiteanna ar fud na hÉireann a bpaisean agus a saineolas gach bliain le heispéiris nach ligfear i ndearmad agus spreagúla a chruthú don phobal i rith na Seachtaine Oidhreachta Náisiúnta. Déanann na gradaim seo ceiliúradh ar chruthaitheacht, ar dhúthracht agus ar dhíograis na bpobal, na n-eagraíochtaí agus na ndaoine aonair a oibríonn chun ár n-oidhreacht a chur in iúl do dhaoine eile agus í a chaomhnú.

Tá gliondar croí orainn na himeachtaí a cuireadh ar an ngearrliosta a fhógairt i measc roinnt catagóirí gradaim, a léiríonn gach ceann díobh rannchuidiú as cuimse le hoidhreacht na hÉireann.

Fógrófar buaiteoirí na gcatagóirí uile ag searmanas bronnta Ghradaim na Seachtaine Oidhreachta Náisiúnta an 29 Deireadh Fómhair 2026.

Seo a leanas na catagóirí agus na himeachtaí a cuireadh ar an ngearrliosta don bhliain 2026: