National Heritage Week 2020 in-person heritage activities

Here are some of the activities that you can visit and partake in. You can search other in-person events taking place near you on the Projects 2020 page.

If you plan on visiting a heritage site or joining in some of the in-person activities, please remember to:

a) Visit the organiser’s website or call them to make sure the site is currently open or the event is still going-ahead.

b) Check if pre-booking is necessary.

c) Adhere to public health guidelines and social distancing – the event or site you are visiting may have additional restrictions in place, so check this before you visit.

Video and heritage walk: Hastings farmhouse restoration, Co Clare

Sunday, August 16th at 2pm.

Dúchas na Sionna and The Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society are organising this history walk. Throughout the walk, there will be some short talks on a range of subjects, including the historical landscape of the area before Shannon Town was built, the people who lived in the now-disappeared farmhouses along the way, and changing landownership through the past five centuries. At the end of Slí na Mara is the site of Hastings Farmhouse, and attendees will hear about the history of the house and the story of the Capture of Brigadier General Lucas during the War of Independence. Find out more…

Guided walk of the Anne Valley, Dunhill, Co Waterford

Sunday, 16th August at 11am.

Join ecologist Paddy Dwan to explore the flora and fauna of the wonderful Anne Valley and learn how to be a wildlife detective. The walk last approximately 1hr 30 mins. Find out more…

Archery demonstration in the courtyard of King John's Castle, Limerick

Monday, 17th August – Friday, 21st August at 3pm daily.

Join the castle's resident archer and enjoy a demonstration of the art of archery in the dramatic and iconic surrounds of King John's Castle. Find out more…

Live Carillon Recital from St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh, Co Cork

Sunday, 23rd August from 4.30pm - 5.30pm.

The 49-bell Carillon of St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh is the only such instrument in the Republic and the largest in Ireland and Britain. The carillon is a percussion instrument which is completely touch-responsive, to give the carillonneur full capability for every musical expression from a gentle whisper to a thundering fortissimo. Find out more...

"In My Grandfather’s Time" - JJ Leonard collection photo exhibition, Crossmolina Civic & Cultural Centre, Co Mayo

Open daily: Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm, and Saturday & Sunday: 2pm - 5pm. Additional events are taking place during National Heritage Week 2020.

“In My Grandfather’s Time” is a photographic exhibition from the JJ Leonard collection, a unique archive of images taken by Crossmolina native, Jack Leonard from the early to mid-20th century. There is a National Heritage Week talk taking place at 7pm on Wednesday, 19th August – strict COVID-19 restrictions are in place. Find out more…

Donegal Railway art competition exhibition, Co Donegal

Tuesday, 18th August to Sunday, 23rd August, from 10am - 5pm daily.

Visit the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre for this special exhibition of artwork with a Donegal Railway connection produced by children and adults across the country during the COVID-19 lockdown. Find out more…

The Stoneybatter of James Joyce, Dublin

Thursday, 20th August.

James Joyce referenced the streets and neighbourhoods of Dublin in everything he wrote. This is a walking tour of Stoneybatter focusing on the sights and buildings which feature in the works of James Joyce. Project organiser Joe Kennedy, whose family have lived in the village for over 120 years, has written a personal memoir on the Stoneybatter of James Joyce. He and fellow project organiser Pat Courtney will convert it into a walking tour illustrated with readings from Joyce and personal reminiscences. Further details are available from the project organisers. Find out more…

Specialist tours – Pop-up Women's Museum, Dublin Castle, Dublin

Thursday, 20th August at 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Friday, 21st August at 10am.

Discover the stories of women leaders in Ireland, with a focus on education, and their contribution to issues of social justice and equality. Find out more…