National Heritage Week 2021 In-person heritage activities

Here are some of the activities that you can visit and take part in. You can search other in-person events taking place near you on the Project 2021 page. Use the filter options to find in-person activities in your county.

If you plan on visiting a heritage site or joining in some of the in-person events and activities taking place, please contact the event organiser for the latest information regarding COVID-19 safety measures and to register for the event.

Saturday, 14th August 2021

"The Maledictions of Colmcille” Art Exhibition by Tim Stampton (Donegal)

Renowned artist Tim Stampton will exhibit a series of his paintings “The Maledictions of Colmcille”, based on the folktales surrounding the short-tempered saint. The exhibition will be available to view Central Library Letterkenny throughout National Heritage Week. More…

Outdoor pop up museum for all ages (Cork)

An outdoor pop-up museum for National Heritage Week in in the town library plaza, Charleville. Taking place on Saturday, 14th August at 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. The pop-up musuem will include an unveiling a brand new 3D artist impression of Kiltoohig, a moated site. More…

An ecological investigation of the Tralee Ship Canal (Kerry)

Tralee Rowing Club (TRC) will host an outdoor display examining the ecology of the Tralee Ship Canal Basin. On Saturday, 14th August and Sunday, 15th August between 1pm and 5pm, members of the public are invited to view their outdoor poster display highlighting rare species living in the canal. More...

Sunday, 15th August 2021

Norman People (Longford)

On Sunday, 15th August, Knights and Conquests Exhibition Centre will deliver an immersive experience at this a Norman re-enactment day. This experience is free to members of the public. More…

Building the Braun Archive Coffee Morning (Carlow)

VISUAL Carlow and Carlow Arts Festival are building an archive documenting the social history of the former Braun building with stories and memorabilia from those who worked there. On the Sunday, 15th of August anyone who worked in Braun or had other strong connections to it are invited to a coffee morning to share whatever materials or stories they might have. More…

Monday, 16th August 2021

Exploring Ballybay wetlands through plants, poetry, music, stories and discussion (Monaghan)

Participants are invited to gather at Ballybay Wetlands on Monday, 16th August at 7 pm for a walk along its looped trail. The story ‘Finn mac Cumhaill and the Wetlands’ by Fearghal Duffy will be recited, the meaning behind the story discussed and the marriage between nature and mythology explored. More…


Free Guided Tour of Vinegar Hill Battlefield (Wexford)

Enjoy a free guided tour of the historic Vinegar Hill Battlefield on Monday, 16th August. The tour will focus on the famous Battle of Vinegar Hill which occurred on 21st June 1798, alongside an overview of the 1798 Rebellion, including the factors which influenced the Rebellion and its legacy. More…

Tuesday, 17th August 2021

Traditional storytelling at the Organic Centre (Leitrim)

Traditional storyteller Regina Fahey willrecount stories and traditions based on local waterways and lakes in the North Leitrim area. Regina will tell of a local water monster that may still lurk in the dark waters of Glenade Lake and other local stories surrounding the great Lough Melvin and the Drowes River. Taking place on Tuesday, 17th
August at 2.30pm at the Organic Centre. More…


Discover the Round Towers of Laois (Laois)

Dig it Kids in association with Laois Heritage Office and Laois Libraries present an online workshop on the round towers and early Christian life in Laois. This online event will take place on Tuesday, 17th August from 11.30am to 1.00pm and is free and suitable for children aged 6 - 12 years. More…

Wednesday 18th August 2021

Burrenbeo Wild Child event (Clare)

Taking place on Wednesday, 18th August 2021, 11.00 am-1.00 pm. Participants can spend a fun filled morning investigating the bugs and blooms of the Burren in a stunning setting. Suitable for 6-to-12-year-olds. More…


Capture the castle (Galway)

A family friendly treasure hunt at Portumna Castle that aims to bring the history of Portumna and its castle and gardens to life. There will be a prize for the quickest to complete the treasure hunt and all correct entries will also go into a draw to win a prize. More…


Guided Walk of the Three Abbeys of Kildare (Kildare)

A Guided Walk of the Three Abbeys of Kildare. The guide will take this opportunity to highlight three medieval abbeys often missed by the public and their importance to the story of Kildare - one of Ireland’s oldest towns. The walk is approximately 6km in length and will take place on Wednesday, 18th at 11am. The tour is being offered at two additional times during National Heritage Week. More…

Thursday, 19th August 2021

Antiques Rockshow at Michael Cusack Centre (Clare)

Rock and Fossil identification by Dr Eamon Doyle, Geopark geologist. Bring along some of your specimens to the Michael Cusack Centre between 11.00am and 1.00pm for identification and discussion. More…

Friday, 20th August 2021

Guided Tour of the Castle Courtyard & Undercroft (Limerick)

This is the final chance to catch the guided tour of the Castle Courtyard & Undercroft, taking place from Monday, 16th August to Friday, 20th August at 10.15 am. Join castle characters as they give insights into the once busy courtyard of King John's Castle. From the blacksmith’s workshop complete with tools and weapons, to the thriving portal entrance at the watergate and to the north the gatehouse where goods and supplies were delivered. Explore the siege shelters and the walkway in the remains of the Great Hall of the castle built circa 1280. More…


Drogheda Merchant Ledgers Display (Louth)

For National Heritage Week 2021, Louth County Archives Service and the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society will hold an archival exhibition display. The highlight of the display will be three Drogheda merchant ledgers dating to 1723 – 1809. The archival display will be open on Friday, 20th August from 10.00am to 1pm. More…

Saturday, 21st August 2021

Peatland Restoration site visit, Cloncrow Bog (Westmeath)

At 2.30pm on Saturday, 21st August, Dr Terry Morley of NUIG, Care-Peat Project will lead a site visit to the Care-Peat restoration works at Cloncrow Bog, Cloneyheigue. Register to explore the processes involved in peatland restoration on a degraded section of raised bog. More…

The Origins of Wool Dying (Clare)

Join Annika as she showcases and discusses the origins and the art of the ancient practice of wool dying. This event is being offered on Saturday, 21st August and Sunday, 22nd August at 3pm. More…

Sunday, 22nd August 2021

Kilkenny Boat Trips on the River Nore (Kilkenny)

A free boat trip on the beautiful River Nore as it moves through the medieval City of Kilkenny. Attendees will enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful river, learn about the heritage of Kilkenny City and explore the flora and fauna from the vantage point of a boat. Taking place on Sunday, 22nd August. More…


Baltimore Ringfort Heritage Talk (Cork)

Baltimore Community Council Ringfort will host this heritage talk at 3pm on Sunday, 22nd August 2021. The site of the ringford is on land which is owned by Failte Ireland and is now accessible to walkers. Baltimore Community Council This talk will be led by archaeologist Tony Miller. More…