The Ultimate Family Guide to National Heritage Week 2026

10 Lúnasa 2026

With fun events taking place across the country, National Heritage Week 2026 (15th–23rd August) is the perfect opportunity to explore Ireland’s heritage and make the most of the final days of summer with the whole family before the kids head back to school!

Bandon Walled Town Festival 2026

15th - 23rd August from 10am
Bandon, Bandon Town Hall, P72 E448, Co. Cork

More details here.

Step back in time and discover the rich heritage of Bandon at the Bandon Walled Town Festival, a vibrant celebration of the town’s unique history, culture and community.

Family Tour of the National Print Museum

16th, 18th, 19th August at 2pm - 3pm
National Print Museum, Garrison Chapel, Beggars Bush Barracks, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, D04 E0C9, Co. Dublin

More details here.

Experience what it was like to be a young apprentice printer. Learn about Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, and how newspapers, books and posters were created before the arrival of today’s computers.

Family Storytelling Workshop in the Woods at Brigit’s Garden

23rd August at 2pm - 3:45pm
Brigit's Garden, Roscahill, Co. Galway, H91 CC90

More details here.

Join storyteller and forest school leader Carol Barrett in the woods at Brigit's Garden for an interactive storytelling workshop that will bring Irish nature-based myths and legends alive for children. Be prepared to get involved, dress up and have lots of fun! There will be costumes, masks and materials to get creative with and help act out the stories and legends.

Ballincollig Heritage Festival

20th August at 2pm - 4pm
Adjacent to Playground at Regional Park, Main Carpark Inniscarra Road, Co. Cork

More details here.
A fun-fi lled day for children with a delightful Teddy Bears Picnic at its heart! Enjoy an enchanting puppet show, bring your poorly teddy along to the Teddy Bears Hospital for some tender loving care, and let the talented facepainters work their magic. Pack a picnic, bring your bear and have fun!

Viking Living History Village

15th August at 11am - 6pm
Tullamore Town Park, 7, 9 Cormac St, Kilcruttin, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

More details here.

Vikings landed in Tullamore with their crafters and fighters. Fighters will show weapons, armour, and fighting techniques in a one-on-one fight and shield wall. Kids will have the chance to fight the Vikings in their own shield wall!

Family Workshop: Children's Pop-Up Books

19th August at 11am - 12pm and 1pm - 2pm.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Deanery Mews Building, Saint Patrick's Close, D08RY2D

More details here.

This workshop is inspired by the pop-up book, Gulliver in Lilliput, currently on display in Marsh’s Library, which celebrates the 300th anniversary of the publication of Gulliver’s Travels.

Children will be provided with a hand-sized book to fill with their own choice of pop-out and pop-ups. We can’t wait to see their creative ideas ‘pop’ and see what mini fact book or story they come up with. Recommended for children aged 6 years and above. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

To see the full list of family-friendly events near you, see our event listings.

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Natural Heritage at Risk: Events Safeguarding Ireland's Biodiversity for Future Generations

Ireland's landscapes are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including ancient woodlands, wildfl owers, birds, rivers and coastlines. This National Heritage Week, there's no better time to slow down, step outside and discover the natural treasures that surround us.
These events off er the perfect opportunity to connect with Ireland's biodiversity and learn how we can all play a part in protecting it.

Step Inside the Heart of Irish Government This National Heritage Week

As part of National Heritage Week, visitors have a rare opportunity to explore the historic Office of the Taoiseach and Government Buildings, gaining a unique insight into the spaces where some of the most important decisions in Irish history have been made.

5 New Skills You Can Learn During National Heritage Week

There's something special about learning a skill that's been passed down through generations, and National Heritage Week 2026 (15th - 23rd August) is the perfect opportunity to do just that. With various workshops and demonstrations taking place across the country, you can learn directly from the people keeping these traditional skills alive.
Here are 5 new skills to try out this National Heritage Week: