Update: Public Health Guidelines

12 August 2020

National Heritage Week Wicklow

In line with our project policy, any project that may result in a small community event or public gathering must be compliant with COVID-19 public health advice from the Irish Government.

These guidelines may have changed recently for some organisers - particularly for those based in Kildare, Offaly and Laois. Should you need to postpone or cancel your event, please contact the National Heritage Week Office and we will update your project profile for you.

National Heritage Week Office
T: 1850 200 878
E: heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie

What's New

Hertitage Hero Award Athlone231026 8

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 Awards County Winners

The County Award recognises the work of many groups and volunteers across Ireland for National Heritage Week. Through their dedication and work they contribute to making National Heritage Week a festival that can be enjoyed by all. Here are the County winners for each local authority area. Congratulations to the 2026 County Award Winners!

Gearoid O Brien NHW Hero 2026

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.