Tips from Our Award-Winning National Heritage Week Organisers

If you’re planning a National Heritage Week event, it helps to hear from people who’ve already done it. In our Event Organiser Guide, organisers behind some of the 2025 award-winning events shared how their events came together. The events vary, but there is a lot in common in how they were planned and delivered. Read on to learn more!

Start with something you already have

Christine Reidy from the Maigue Rivers Trust didn’t begin with a detailed plan. “I was on a Farm Walk and the farmer had built an Otter Holt. It looked amazing, and it set me thinking about doing a Wild Child Day centred around otters.” That idea became a full outdoor event with activities for children!

Mealagh Valley Community Centre started from a different place. Their event was built around an existing project. “Our event grew from being centred around the launch of our oral history documentary film, and we then brainstormed ideas to stack around the main attraction.”

Milltown Heritage Group also didn’t start from scratch. Their event began when archaeologist Jerry O’Sullivan from Transport Infrastructure Ireland got in touch to give a talk, which they then built into a wider programme with input from local schools, music performances and film screenings.

Across all three, the starting point was something they already had, rather than a completely new idea.

Plan it as a group

All three organisers described dividing the work early. Mealagh Valley assigned roles across the team: “Group members then took on specific tasks: promotions, practical set up and displays, liaising with speakers and running order, managing refreshments, parking and crowd marshalling.”

Milltown Heritage Group took a similar approach. They explain that they “began by assessing the venue and the available space… we then sourced volunteers who were willing to assist with the logistics.” They also noted the impact, saying that “having individuals take ownership of specific roles helped ensure that the day ran smoothly.”

The focus was on ensuring each part of the event had someone responsible.

Think through the set-up

Some of the most direct advice focused on basic planning decisions. Christine Reidy pointed out the essentials: “How the event will be formatted, who will lead the event, and, of course, are there toilets!” She also described how the venue choice shaped the event: “I wanted to find a venue that felt ‘wild’ yet was accessible and had facilities.”

Milltown Heritage Group also focused on practical details in advance, including seating, sound and layout. These are the things that affect how the event works once people arrive.

Make it easy for people to take part

When organisers talked about what made their events work, they focused less on content and more on how people engaged with it. Christine Reidy described it as “something that connects with the intended audience and is a bit different.”

Mealagh Valley put a lot of work into making sure people felt included. “Attention to inclusivity is central; we worked hard to ensure all cohorts and broad interests were provided for.” They also made sure people were actively welcomed.

Milltown Heritage Group found that involving people directly made a difference: “In our case, the children’s involvement in the music encouraged parents and grandparents to attend.”

Be prepared to adjust on the day

Even with careful planning, things can change once the event starts. Mealagh Valley focused on keeping things moving: “The flow and pace of the event needs an adaptable attitude, with ways to maintain interest and keep an eye on proceedings to support participation and enjoyment.”

Milltown Heritage Group highlighted timing and location, noting that “timing is crucial, as is choosing the right location. Outdoor events can present additional challenges.”

Having a plan helps but paying attention to how the day is going matters just as much!

Use the channels you already have

Promotion was consistent across all organisers, and it stayed close to home. Christine Reidy described a mix of local and wider visibility: “We promoted the event on our social media, through Limerick networks, and then lots of people came through the Heritage Council’s own National Heritage Week promotion.”

Mealagh Valley focused on community channels: “We have hyperlocal social media channels with WhatsApp and Facebook noticeboards. Our local newspaper is widely read, and word of mouth is also crucial.”

Milltown Heritage Group used a similar mix, promoting through “our community heritage website, Facebook and Instagram pages and our local parish newsletter. Posters were also displayed throughout the local area.”

Where to start

Across all three organisers, the emphasis stays practical: start with something you already have, work with others and divide roles early, think through the set-up, and focus on how people will take part once they arrive.

The full Event Organiser Guide is available on the Resources page, alongside further resources to help you plan and promote your event.

Learn more about organising and registering your event.