The Ultimate Family Guide to National Heritage Week 2026
With fun events taking place across the country, National Heritage Week 2026 (15th–23rd August) is the perfect opportunity to explore Ireland’s heritage and make the most of the final days of summer with the whole family before the kids head back to school!
Bandon Walled Town Festival 2026
15th - 23rd August from 10am
Bandon, Bandon Town Hall, P72 E448, Co. Cork
More details here.
Step back in time and discover the rich heritage of Bandon at the Bandon Walled Town Festival, a vibrant celebration of the town’s unique history, culture and community.
Family Tour of the National Print Museum
16th, 18th, 19th August at 2pm - 3pm
National Print Museum, Garrison Chapel, Beggars Bush Barracks, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, D04 E0C9, Co. Dublin
More details here.
Experience what it was like to be a young apprentice printer. Learn about Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, and how newspapers, books and posters were created before the arrival of today’s computers.
Family Storytelling Workshop in the Woods at Brigit’s Garden
23rd August at 2pm - 3:45pm
Brigit's Garden, Roscahill, Co. Galway, H91 CC90
More details here.
Join storyteller and forest school leader Carol Barrett in the woods at Brigit's Garden for an interactive storytelling workshop that will bring Irish nature-based myths and legends alive for children. Be prepared to get involved, dress up and have lots of fun! There will be costumes, masks and materials to get creative with and help act out the stories and legends.
Ballincollig Heritage Festival
20th August at 2pm - 4pm
Adjacent to Playground at Regional Park, Main Carpark Inniscarra Road, Co. Cork
More details here.
A fun-fi lled day for children with a delightful Teddy Bears Picnic at its heart! Enjoy an enchanting puppet show, bring your poorly teddy along to the Teddy Bears Hospital for some tender loving care, and let the talented facepainters work their magic. Pack a picnic, bring your bear and have fun!
Viking Living History Village
15th August at 11am - 6pm
Tullamore Town Park, 7, 9 Cormac St, Kilcruttin, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
More details here.
Vikings landed in Tullamore with their crafters and fighters. Fighters will show weapons, armour, and fighting techniques in a one-on-one fight and shield wall. Kids will have the chance to fight the Vikings in their own shield wall!
Family Workshop: Children's Pop-Up Books
19th August at 11am - 12pm and 1pm - 2pm.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Deanery Mews Building, Saint Patrick's Close, D08RY2D
More details here.
This workshop is inspired by the pop-up book, Gulliver in Lilliput, currently on display in Marsh’s Library, which celebrates the 300th anniversary of the publication of Gulliver’s Travels.
Children will be provided with a hand-sized book to fill with their own choice of pop-out and pop-ups. We can’t wait to see their creative ideas ‘pop’ and see what mini fact book or story they come up with. Recommended for children aged 6 years and above. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
To see the full list of family-friendly events near you, see our event listings.
