Event Registration is Now Open!

1 May 2019

Event Registration for National Heritage Week is now open. Any organisation, individual, business, or community group is welcome to organise an event for National Heritage Week.

When you register your event it will be in our website listings and the printed event guide, if registered before 31 May [Please note: the deadline for inclusion in the printed event guide has been extended until Friday, 7^th June].

Your event will also be included in a county event guide where available. Event registration for the website listings will remain open until August.

Heritage Week 2019 will take place from 17-25 August and this year's theme is Pastimes | Past Times. We encourage you to take a stroll through history and explore how our free time has evolved in often fascinating ways.

Coordinated by the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week is Ireland’s most popular cultural event and in 2019 half a million people are expected to participate in over 2,200 heritage events. National Heritage Week is part of European Heritage Days which promote Europe’s common cultural heritage.

National Heritage Week has two special themed days:

Wild Child Day - Wednesday 21 August. On this day, event organisers are encouraged to host events specifically for children, from history hunts and storytelling sessions to crafts workshops.
Water Heritage Day - Sunday 25 August. Together with the Local Authority Waters Programme, we celebrate our most precious natural resource in all its forms, from the sea, to rivers, lakes and ponds.

What to get involved as an event organiser? Not sure where to begin? Start here!

100 Event Ideas 2019

Guide to Registering your Event

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Announcing the 2026 National Heritage Week National Finalists

The National Heritage Week Awards recognise the work of National Heritage Week event organisers in creating and running events that celebrate Ireland's built, natural and cultural heritage.

Every year, event organisers from across Ireland bring their passion and expertise to create memorable and inspiring heritage experiences for the public during National Heritage Week. These awards celebrate the creativity, commitment and enthusiasm of communities, organisations and individuals who work to share and safeguard our heritage.

We are delighted to announce the shortlisted events across several award categories, each representing an outstanding contribution to Ireland's heritage.

The winners of all categories will be unveiled at the National Heritage Week Awards ceremony on 29 October 2026.

The categories and shortlisted events for 2026 are as follows:

Heritage Open Doors: 5 Historic Properties to Visit During National Heritage Week

As part of the 2026 National Heritage Week, the Heritage Open Doors Initiative is an opportunity for the public to explore historic buildings, see behind doors not usually open and learn about the hidden and not so hidden heritage of buildings in the country.
Whether you are curious about iconic public landmarks or want to experience behind-the-scenes tours, these events off er a unique way to connect with Ireland's rich built heritage.

Natural Heritage at Risk: 5 National Heritage Week Events Safeguarding Ireland's Biodiversity

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.