National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week 2026
Nationwide | 15th – 23rd August 2026

National Heritage Week returns from 15th to 23rd August 2026, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate Ireland’s rich natural, cultural and built heritage. Organised by the Heritage Council, the annual event has grown into one of the country’s largest cultural programmes, with hundreds of free events taking place in towns, villages and attractions throughout Ireland.

This year’s theme, “Heritage at Risk”, encourages communities to explore the heritage that may be under threat and consider how it can be protected for future generations. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities including guided walks, historical tours, exhibitions, storytelling sessions, craft demonstrations, family workshops and wildlife experiences.

Families are particularly well catered for in the 2026 programme. Highlights include the Big Dig at Glendalough, Viking sword craft workshops at the National Museum of Ireland, archery demonstrations at Athenry Castle, storytelling tours along the River Shannon, wildlife walks, archaeology events and hands-on traditional crafts days. Many events are free and designed to engage children and adults alike.

Several attractions and heritage sites featured in the programme may also be worth future outreach from a YourDaysOut perspective. Notable venues include Birr Castle, Slane Castle, Reginald’s Tower, Bishop’s Palace Waterford, St Colman’s Cathedral, Portmagee Whiskey, Killarney House & Gardens, The Everyman Theatre, Athenry Castle, Dunmore Cave and Ennis Friary. These are established visitor attractions that already participate in national tourism and heritage initiatives and may be strong candidates for event promotion, ticketing or future partnerships.

Whether exploring a medieval castle, joining a nature walk, uncovering local history or taking part in a family workshop, National Heritage Week offers a unique opportunity to discover the stories, places and traditions that have shaped Ireland. With events taking place in every county, it remains one of the most accessible and family-friendly festivals on the Irish calendar.