Introduction to National Heritage Week 2025: Exploring Our Foundations

Presenter: Ronan Healy, Programme Manager of National Heritage Week at The Heritage Council.

An overview of the 2025 theme "Exploring Our Foundations" highlighting the goals and potential impact of the country-wide celebration.

• The inspiration and objectives behind this year’s theme, including how it reflects Irish heritage and identity.
• Tips for event organisers on aligning activities with central goals.
• Practical info on programme structure, submission deadlines, and the National Heritage Week Awards.

Health & Safety for Event Organisers

Presenter: Peter Jordan, Slua

Essential guidance on ensuring health and safety compliance for community-led heritage events.

• Identification of common hazards and risk assessment strategies.
• Safety protocols, volunteer briefing, insurance requirements.
• Tools and templates to help organisers stay compliant and safe.

Sharing Local Heritage through National Heritage Week Events

Presenter: Martha Farrell, Maharees Conservation Association

A look at best practices from grassroots groups on interpreting and promoting local heritage stories.

• Techniques for community outreach and storytelling.
• Examples of successful local heritage campaigns and lessons learned.
• Ways to engage diverse audiences through interactive methods.

Succession Planning for Voluntary Heritage Groups

Presenter: Lorna Elms (ICAN)

Strategies to ensure the long-term viability and leadership continuity of volunteer heritage organisations.

• Building leadership pipelines and knowledge transfer systems.
• Governance models and planning for volunteer turnover.
• Maintaining institutional memory and organisational stability.

Exploring Our Foundations: Minor Placenames as Intangible Cultural Heritage

Presenter: Dr Jonathan Cherry, DCU School of History and Geography

Diving into how small-scale placenames convey deep local history and cultural identity.

• The cultural significance of minor placenames and their traditional origins.
• Methods for documenting and preserving this intangible heritage.
• Examples illustrating how placenames can tell community stories.

Adopt A Monument – Experiences of a Community Group

Presenter: Helen Farrell (Society of Old Lucan)

A case study on how a volunteer group successfully ‘adopted’ and revitalised a local monument.

• Community engagement in monument care and restoration.
• Logistical, fundraising, and volunteer coordination challenges.
• Outcomes: conservation impact and community pride.

How to Promote Your National Heritage Week Event

Presenter: Sabrina D’Angelo, Q4PR

PR and marketing advice tailored to heritage events, focusing on community reach and impact.

• Messaging strategies for raising awareness across media channels.
• Use of platforms: social media, press releases, partnerships.
• Campaign timing, materials, and post-event follow-up.

A Guide to Community Archaeology for Community Groups- Dr Christy Cunniffe

Presenter: Dr Christy Cunniffe

Practical insights for community involvement in local archaeological projects.

• Principles of community archaeology and ethical best practices.
• Starting and sustaining local digs: funding, permissions, volunteer training.
• Tools for documentation, outreach, and sharing findings.

Supports from Your Local Authority Heritage Teams

Presenter- Melanie McQuade, Westmeath County Council.

A rundown of local authority resources and supports available to organisers across Ireland.

• How to connect and collaborate with Local Authority Heritage Officers.
• Grants, advice, and logistical assistance provided by heritage teams.
• Real-world examples of successful support in practice.

Presentations from previous training days.

Water Heritage Day

Water Heritage Day takes place on Sunday 20th August and celebrates our rivers, lakes, canals and other waterways. Here Cathal Flood from the Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO) explores what Water Heritage Day is and how you can take part in running an event.

• See example of previous events of Water Heritage Day
• Learn how LAWPRO can support your event for Water Heritage Day
• Discover how to best plan your Water Heritage Day event

Wild Child Day

Wild Child Day takes place on Saturday 19th August 2023. Wild Child Day celebrates natural heritage and encouraging children to explore the outdoors. Here Lorcan Scott, Wildlife Officer from National Heritage Week guides you through Wild Child Day.

• Discover what is Wild Child Day
• See suggestion for events for Wild Child Day
• Get tips on resources that you can use for a Wild Child Day event

Running Events in Irish

National Heritage Week every year encourages organisers to celebrate the Irish language. In 2023 this is particularly encouraged as Irish Language is part of our Living Heritage. Here Cathy Connelly, Corporate Services Officer and Irish Language Officer at the Heritage Council shares how you can create and promote events in the Irish Language.

• Get ideas for events in the Irish Language
• Learn the importance of encouraging the use of the Irish Language
• Discover the background of the Irish Language Act

A Guide to Bringing Sustainability to Events and Projects

What is sustainability in the context of National Heritage Week? Here Catherine Casey, Head of Heritage & Climate Change shares some tips on running a sustainable event for National Heritage Week.

• Learn how to plan a sustainable event
• Understand what you should be thinking about for a sustainable event
• Discover the sustainability guideline and checklists that you can use

More Inspiration

Looking for more guidance and ideas for National Heritage Week? See the National Heritage Week YouTube Channel for more resources and videos.