Must-see events for National Heritage Week

Pictured during National Heritage Week 2025 are Fingal Mummers and Jack O’Leary - Fragarach Medieval Armoured Combat Ireland. (Pic: Marc O'Sullivan)

— From historic building tours to vintage cars, this year’s Heritage Week invites you to reconnect with Ireland’s heritage across the region

National Heritage Week returns from 15th–23rd August, and this year’s theme, Heritage at Risk, highlights the deep-rooted cultural, natural, and built heritage that shape Ireland today that is facing decline. 

Find all events happening across Ireland on heritageweek.ie 

CÉILÍ SA LEABHARLANN

19th August, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

A gathering in Cashel library will take place on Wednesday, August 19th, to celebrate and keep Ceili dancing alive. Irish dance teacher, Michael Cooney, will introduce the basics and then lead the ‘Céilí sa Leabharlann’. No experience is required.

EXPLORE VINTAGE CARS IN CAHIR

15th August, Cahir, Co. Tipperary

The town of Cahir will host a day of (pre-1918) cars at the Inch Field behind Cahir Castle. Discover some very rare cars from the early years of motoring in Ireland. 

GLENARY HERITAGE WALK 

21st August, Glenabbey, Co. Waterford

Join an expert-led heritage walk through the historic landscape of Glenary, exploring one of Clonmel’s most significant vernacular heritage sites.

ANNE’S GROVE MINIATURE CASTLE 

16th August, Castletownroche, Co. Cork

Now in the ownership of the Irish Landmark Trust, Anne’s Grove Miniature Castle was designed and built in 1853. Explore the rarely open castle with guided tours.  

BIODIVERSITY OF THE MORNING STAR RIVER

18th August, Bruff, Co. Limerick

What flora and fauna can you find in your local river? This guided walk along the Morning Star river will answer that question. The walk will focus on an exploration of the rich biodiversity of the area and a chance to see a kick sample in action!

PEATLANDS AND COMMUNITIES VISIONING WALK 

16th August, Galtee Castle, Co. Cork 

Join the Nature Network team for an immersive guided walk on the importance of peatlands. You will gain insight into how peatlands function, their role in supporting biodiversity, storing carbon and regulating water systems and more. 

TALK ON THE 1926 CENSUS 

15th August, Newmarket, Co. Cork 

In April we saw the release of the 1926 census. This brought about a lot of interest in our own family history. In this talk at Newmarket library, you will learn how the 1926 census can be used for your own family history and research.