National Heritage Week 2026 – Heritage at Risk
Join us for National Heritage Week 2026 as we explore the theme 'Heritage at Risk'.
Discover the stories, places and traditions that shape our shared past, and why they deserve to be protected for future generations.
Join us for a week of events celebrating Ireland's remarkable heritage.
Errigal Handweaver at Donegal Castle
Errigal Handweaver, Siobhán Ní Ghallchóir will be on site in Donegal Castle on 17th August 2026 to conduct a 90 minute weaving workshop suitable for a child and accompanying adult or individual. This is an opportunity to learn about basic weaving and yarn processing.
Ferns Castle Craft Fair
Celebrating Irish Heritage Crafts during National Heritage Week. As part of National Heritage Week 2026, this event shines a spotlight on Ireland’s traditional crafts — living skills and knowledge that are precious yet vulnerable, and worth protecting for future generations.
Archery Demonstration at Athenry Castle
Paul Burke will be attending on 15th August 2026 for demonstratioms, talks and instructions to visitors in a “have a go” archery.
Exploring Ross Island
Join Ross Castle guide Conal Guilfoyle on a guided tour of the built and natural history of Ross Island.
Irish plant heritage at risk - National Botanic Gardens
Behind the scenes tour of the herbarium and nursery what the NBG is doing to conserve and protect native Irish plant species and the threats they face.
Men Behind The Burning of The Custom House Tour
Guided tour delving into the lives of the men who were key figures in the planning of the burning of the Custom House during the War of Independence in 1921.
Traditional Willow Basket Making on Scattery Island
Come along to Scattery Island and see this demonstration of traditional basket making using locally grown willow.
Paint your own Medieval Mellifont Tile
Timed tile painting sessions run throughout Heritage Week.
The Bumblebees of St. Enda’s Park: A Guided Walk
Walk in the walled garden with our biodiversity champion and learn about bumblebees and biodiversity in the park
Swords and Shield’s Workshop Reginald's Tower
Swords and Shield’s, free Children’s workshop in Reginald’s Tower
Stone by Stone: dry stone wall restoration at Carrowmore
Join OPW Stonemason, Ronan, for a live demonstration and engaging talk on dry stone wall restoration at Carrowmore.
First Steps in Limerick Lace: A Workshop for Beginners - The Main Guard
Discover the fascinating story of one of Ireland’s most celebrated lace traditions through a short illustrated talk and a small pop-up exhibition of antique and contemporary lace.
Emo Court – Behind The Kitchen Door
Uncover the people, stories, and traditions of the people that brought this remarkable kitchen to life
Seaweed Soap making on Scattery Island
Join Kilkee’s Michele Da Ros for a fascinating live demonstration of eco-friendly soap making using locally harvested Scattery Island seaweed.
Spinning Yarn on Scattery Island
Former Scattery Island guide, storyteller and crafter Ruth Marshall will show us the route from raw fleece to fine yarn.
Family Fun Day - Glendalough
A Famly Fun Day to celebrate Heritage Week in Glendalough Visitor Centre OPW.
Steamships, Famine, Cattle, and the Transformation of Dublin Port 1820-1860 - Rathfarnham Castle
A lecture on the impact of the introduction of steamships on Dublin in the pre-famine era and a reflection on the rise and fall of the canals.
Dig and Discover at Ennis Friary
Young explorers will dig for hidden artefacts, learn about the 700 year old history of the Friary, and experience the thrill of discovery just like real archaeologists.
Wild Child Event - Sligo Abbey
Sligo Abbey Wild Child Day is an action-packed, colourful afternoon designed to get children interacting with history, nature, and art in a fun new way.
