National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week is a nationwide cultural festival in Ireland coordinated by The Heritage Council, encouraging public engagement with the country's diverse heritage. The 2026 edition is scheduled from Saturday, August 15, to Sunday, August 23, and centers on the theme 'Heritage at Risk.' This theme highlights vulnerable aspects of Irish heritage, including threatened buildings, endangered habitats, folklore, language, and traditional skills like willow basketry and straw craft, inviting communities to explore and contribute to their preservation. The festival encompasses over 2,500 events held in various locations across the island, with extensive programs noted in counties such as Louth, Donegal, Laois, Cavan, and Monaghan.

Public activities during the week are largely free to attend and include guided history walks, talks, tours, exhibitions, workshops, storytelling sessions, and musical performances. Highlights include a free introduction to weaving at Donegal Castle on August 17 and free admission to more than 50 Office of Public Works (OPW) heritage sites nationwide on the opening Saturday, August 15. The 'Heritage Open Doors' initiative also offers rare public access to historic buildings and sites not typically open to visitors.

The festival features dedicated thematic days to engage diverse audiences. 'Wild Child Day' on Saturday, August 22, focuses on children and families, encouraging outdoor exploration and engagement with nature through discovery-based activities. The week concludes with 'Water Heritage Day' on Sunday, August 23, in partnership with the River Basin Management Service, which celebrates Ireland’s aquatic heritage through events such as boat tours, river walks, and marine biodiversity talks, emphasizing water's role in shaping the country's history and communities.