Heritage for all: Sharing heritage

NO FEE 1 National Heritage Week 2021 launch 1

National Heritage Week 2021 is all about getting as many people involved in heritage as possible. This year, the Heritage Council is encouraging project organisers to connect with a group or individuals in their community who may not feel included in local heritage. Organisers can also take this opportunity to explore an aspect of local heritage that is seldom considered or celebrated.

To inspire you, here are some projects that have taken this approach:

  • Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre in Dublin created a series of online videos documenting Traveller tinsmithing, a craft that was ideally suited to the nomadic lifestyle. The project documents the heritage of Travellers working in particular regions, visiting the settled population to sell their handmade tin vessels, as well as the vocabulary that developed around the craft. More…
  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Services presented Woman on the Walls, a virtual exhibition that celebrated the legacy and raised the visibility of women’s contributions to the medical field. The exhibition was comprised of portraits of female healthcare professionals, which hang in the board room of RCSI in Dublin’s city centre. More…
  • The Cork Jewish Culture Virtual Walk documented the history and culture of Cork’s Jewish community, which at its height in around 1915 comprised of about 450 members. The video includes a guided walking tour of seven Jewish sites in the city, as well as stories, poems, and music of Cork’s Jewish community, past and present. More…

Remember, all projects shared on heritageweek.ie by Monday 30th August will be considered for a National Heritage Award. Register as a project organiser here.

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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:
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