Songs, Stories and Sounds: National Heritage Week 2026 Events for Music Lovers

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Whether you are passionate about traditional Irish music, fascinated by the history of sound, or simply enjoy a live performance, National Heritage Week 2026 has plenty to offer. Here are five music-themed Heritage Week events we cannot wait to attend, among many others.

Evening Recital: Music of the Night




21 August, 6:30pm - 7:15pm

Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin
FREE
More details here

Featuring songs from beloved musicals including Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and Cabaret, this performance combines beautiful music with one of Ireland's most iconic heritage sites

From Edison to Spotify


15 to 22 August, various timings

Tourist Office Dundalk
More details here.

Ever wondered how we went from gramophones to streaming? This event will showcase a range of original vintage music equipment such as Phonographs, Gramophones and more, all in working order. There will also be a demonstration and talk explaining all the pieces.

Crafting the Sound of Tradition

20 August, 12pm - 3pm
Ian Knepper Violins Workshop, Cork City
More details here.
Step inside the workshop of two master instrument makers Ian Knepper and Macdara Ó Faoláin. Discover the traditional techniques involved in making and repairing stringed instruments that keep Ireland's rich musical heritage alive.

Minding the Music, Minding the Heritage: Irish Music Session with Theresa Larkin & Friends

20 August, 1pm - 3pm
Nenagh Arts Centre, Nenagh
FREE
More details here.

This Heritage Week 2026, join renowned traditional musician Theresa Larkin and friends for an afternoon of Irish music celebrating one of Ireland’s richest living traditions.

Sound Therapy From The Ages

15, 16, 17, 18, 23 August, 10am - 5pm
Craggaunowen Castle & Crannóg, Kilmurry
More details here.

Sound therapy is an ancient practice that uses vibrational frequencies and music to calm the nervous system and promote healing. Arno, the facilitator, possesses deep knowledge of musical history, spanning from the earliest frame drums to the ancient art of throat singing.

Bonus: Families wouldn’t want to miss the free Nature's Orchestra Workshop in Dublin 2, where children and adults can turn tins, tubes, bottles and beans into their very own nature-inspired musical instruments.

These are just a small selection of the fantastic National Heritage Week 2026 music events. Head to the event lisings to discover more concerts, workshops, talks and performances happening across Ireland and celebrate the sounds that have shaped Ireland’s heritage.

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National Heritage Week Awards 2026 - Winners and Runners-up Announced

The National Heritage Week Awards 2026 ceremony took place on Thursday, 29 October 2026, celebrating the individuals, community groups and organisations whose outstanding events helped showcase and protect Ireland's built, natural and cultural heritage.

The 2026 Awards recognise the most engaging and inspiring events from National Heritage Week 2026. Over the course of nine days from 15–23 August, communities across Ireland came together to celebrate local heritage through walks, talks, workshops, exhibitions, performances and family events. This year's theme, Heritage at Risk, encouraged people to explore and protect the places, traditions, skills and stories that form an important part of our shared heritage.
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National Heritage Week 2026 Heritage Hero Announced

The Heritage Council is delighted to share that the 2026 National Heritage Week Heritage Hero has been awarded to Gearóid O'Brien for his lifelong dedication to preserving, promoting and celebrating the heritage of Athlone and Ireland.

The Heritage Hero award honours an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding, long-term contribution to the protection and promotion of Ireland's heritage. Unlike the other categories, this award is based solely on public nominations and is considered a lifetime achievement award.