An exciting programme of events has been announced taking place at heritage sites across Ireland for Heritage Week 2025, which runs from Saturday 16th to Sunday 24th, with several sites easily accessible from across The Avondhu catchment.
This year’s theme, ‘Exploring Our Foundations’, invites the public to reflect on the structures, landscapes, stories and cultural practices that have shaped Irish life over the centuries. From family fun days and living history displays to music, workshops, and guided tours, the 2025 programme features engaging events at OPW sites nationwide, with activities for all ages and interests.
The public are invited to embark on a ‘local link to the past’ and use their Local Link ticket to gain free entry to sites on the Local Link network. Participating sites include Doneraile Court and Estate, Charles Fort and The Rock of Cashel. Doneraile Court will be one of the OPW sites where Irish language tours will be available.
At Charles Fort Military Fortress in Cork, visitors can enjoy a pair of illustrated talks: ‘The Kinsale Railway Line: Past and Present’ by Cathal Deasy and ‘Seamus Breathnach – Cultural Nationalist’ by Pádraig Walsh, each taking place in the atmospheric Gunpowder Magazine.
In Waterford, Reginald’s Tower explores naval visitors to the city over the past century, while Dungarvan Castle hosts a talk on the Waterford to Mallow Railway and its wartime history.
“National Heritage Week plays ‘an exceptional role in uniting Ireland’s built, natural, and cultural heritage within a single, vibrant festival’, according to Virginia Teehan, chief executive at the Heritage Council.
“Over the past 25 years, it has significantly deepened public awareness and appreciation of heritage – shaping more informed attitudes, changing hearts and minds, and contributing to the safeguarding of our remarkable heritage assets.
“As CEO of the Heritage Council, I feel privileged to work so closely with the passionate individuals and communities who bring this week to life each year. I would also like to acknowledge the OPW as an outstanding partner in National Heritage Week – its stewardship of so many of Ireland’s most magnificent heritage sites offers people a unique and powerful way to experience the richness of our shared past.”
Organised by the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland’s largest cultural events. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is pleased to support National Heritage Week to ensure individuals, groups and families can get out and explore what Ireland’s heritage sites have to offer.
With over 100 events on offer for the duration of Heritage Week, with a free admission day to over 70 fee-paying heritage sites on Saturday, 16th August, visit heritageireland.ie for further details.
