Event registration for National Heritage Week 2026 is now open, with community organisations, volunteers and heritage groups invited to contribute to the festival programme running from August 15th-23rd.
Now in its 26th year, National Heritage Week is Ireland’s largest celebration of built, cultural, and natural heritage, with over 2,500 events taking place annually, attended by almost half a million people. This week-long festival is an all-island initiative, with the majority of events free to attend.
This year’s theme, Heritage at Risk, invites individuals and communities to consider the elements of our heritage that are vulnerable or under threat – from historic buildings and archaeological sites to natural habitats, traditional skills, folklore, language and ways of life. Through guided walks, hands-on workshops, talks, performances and heritage trails, events will highlight not only the richness of local heritage, but the importance of protecting and sustaining it for future generations.
“National Heritage Week is a great opportunity for everyone in County Cork to celebrate what defines our towns, villages and landscapes, while also considering the risks at play and how we can all do our part to keep it safe,” Cork County Council heritage officer, Conor Neligan said.
“We hosted 182 events across the rest of the county in 2025, an increase of 10% on the previous year which highlights the growing interest. The theme Heritage at Risk reminds us that our buildings, natural spaces, traditions and local knowledge all need care and attention.”
Last year’s events in the county included Cork City Heritage Open Day and Paddling the Past: A Heritage Kayak Tour of the River Bride.
In 2025, 129 events were held in Cork city; Limerick hosted 49 events in 2025, an increase of 48% on 2024; Tipperary hosted 94 events across the county in 2025, while Waterford saw an increase of 11% on 2024, hosting 68 events in 2025.
SPECIAL TIME OF CONNECTION
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said that ‘collective community action serves as the most effective safeguard for vulnerable heritage assets, ensuring that built heritage landmarks, ecological habitats and heritage stories and traditions are preserved for future generations’.
“I encourage communities to register their events for this year’s programme. It’s a wonderful opportunity to welcome new people into your community and to shine a light on what makes your area unique,” he said.
Speaking about the importance of National Heritage Week, Heritage Council Chief Executive Officer, Viriginia Teehan, said: that National Heritage Week is ‘a true highlight in our calendar and a special time to connect with the places, traditions and stories that shape our sense of identity and belonging’.
Organisers are encouraged to register their events for National Heritage Week 2026 at www.heritageweek.ie, where resources will be available to support event planning, accessibility, and promotion.
