Heritage Open Doors: 5 Historic Properties to Visit During National Heritage Week

13 Lúnasa 2026

As part of the 2026 National Heritage Week, the Heritage Open Doors Initiative is an opportunity for the public to explore historic buildings, see behind doors not usually open and learn about the hidden and not so hidden heritage of buildings in the country.
Whether you are curious about iconic public landmarks or want to experience behind-the-scenes tours, these events off er a unique way to connect with Ireland's rich built heritage.

A Glimpse into Headfort House

When: 17 - 19 August, 10am - 11am

Where: Headfort House, Headfort Demense, Co. Meath

Entry: Free

More details here

Headfort House in County Meath will open its doors for guided tours, off ering visitors a rare opportunity to step inside its neoclassical interiors and explore over 250 years of Irish architectural and family history. It is one of Ireland's great Georgian houses, built in the 1770s for Thomas Taylour

Behind the Scenes Tour at The Everyman

When: 15 August, 6pm - 7pm

Where: The Everyman, 15 MacCurtain Street, Cork City

Entry: Free

More details here

Expect an immersive, theatrical tour of the (almost) 130-year old theatre, The Everyman. The tour guide actors will lead the public on an engaging journey through time to meet the famous and infamous characters of the unique venue.

As part of the Cork Heritage Open Day, there are plenty of other events, also celebrating the Built Heritage in Cork City. Learn more here.

Free Entry to the Rock of Cashel

When: 15 August, 9am - 4:45pm

Where: Rock of Cashel Moor Lane, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

Entry: Free

More details here

The Rock of Cashel will be off ering visitors free guided tours and free entry to Cormac's Chapel. Wander among medieval buildings, admire spectacular views across the Tipperary countryside and discover the stories behind this iconic landmark.

Guided Tour of The Four Courts

When: 17 - 21 August, 11am - 12pm

Where: The Four Courts, Inns Quay, Dublin 7, Co. Dublin

Entry: Free

More details here

On this guided tour, you can step inside The Four Courts, learn about its architecture from the eighteenth century, its destruction during the Civil War and important court cases over the last few centuries. As public access is limited, this is a unique chance to explore a building that has witnessed defi ning moments in Ireland's history.

Gunpowdermills Walk and Talk with Tadhg O'Connor

When: 15 August, 2pm - 4pm

Where: At GAA entrance to the Regional Park Eastgate, Ballincollig, Co. Cork City

Entry: Free

More details here

Discover how gunpowder was made in the 19th century on this 2.5km walk on the banks of the River Lee. The Royal Gunpowder Mills is one of the most important and largest industrial archaeological sites of enormous national and international importance.

These are just a small sample of the hundreds of events taking place across Ireland during National Heritage Week 2026.
Browse the full list of Heritage Open Doors events here and discover more unique places to explore during this year's celebrations.

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: