National Heritage Week announces official partners for 2021

These organisations will be key in helping the Heritage Council share all of the wonderful built, natural and cultural heritage projects that make National Heritage Week what it is. The partners are also invaluable resources for project organisers as you develop and research your projects.

Fáilte Ireland

Fáilte Ireland promotes the long-term sustainable growth of tourism in Ireland. In partnership with the Government, state agencies, local authorities and community groups, Fáilte Ireland supports the development of plans, infrastructure and visitor attractions, as well as supporting tourism businesses. If you’re looking for inspiration for your heritage project, check out their pages on the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Dublin.

Irish Landmark Trust

For almost thirty years, the Irish Landmark Trust has found interesting and unusual properties in need of conservation and given them new life as special holiday accommodations. With properties ranging from historic lighthouses and schoolhouses to castles and gate lodges, their aim is to conserve built heritage sites as living buildings. Keep an eye out for some exciting opportunities to win a stay at an ILT property during National Heritage Week.

Local Authority Waters Programme

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is a local authority shared service working with the 31 local authorities, relevant State agencies, stakeholders and communities. It works to: coordinate efforts to achieve the water quality objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive; support the involvement of local communities in caring for their local waters and in decision-making and river basin management plans; and by applying catchment science, identify the issues impacting on water quality in the PAAs and refer them for action.

If you’re interested in a heritage project that focuses on a lake, river, seashore or other waterway, you may want to check-in with your County Water Officer. Draw inspiration from Stories from the Waterside, a collection of short stories from across Ireland that LAWPRO produced for National Heritage Week 2020. Don’t forget, Sunday, 22nd August 2021 is National Heritage Week’s Water Heritage Day, which will highlight outstanding projects focused on water heritage.

The Office of Public Works (OPW)

Established in 1831, the Office of Public Works manages much of Ireland’s infrastructure as well as numerous iconic heritage properties. From Phoenix Park to Brú na Bóinne to Great Blasket, chances are you’ve come across the OPW’s preservation work somewhere. The organisation preserves and presents Ireland’s two World Heritage Sites, 780 National Monuments and over 2,000 acres of gardens and parklands.

As part of their partnership with National Heritage Week, the OPW will again be giving away Family Heritage Cards as prizes in our National Heritage Week radio competitions.

If you’re planning a heritage project, consider using OPW sites as inspiration. Is there a natural landmark that you’ve always wanted to learn more about? Does your family have a special connection to a national monument? The OPW and its sites provide useful resources that can support you as you develop your heritage project.

The Heritage Council is grateful to each of these partners for supporting National Heritage Week. Remember to check out their social media channels for heritage project highlights in the weeks leading up to and during National Heritage Week, 14th - 22nd August 2021.