National Heritage Week

History of National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week has been organized and run by the National Heritage Council of Ireland since 2005. From the start, the council has been supported by the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government. Over the course of the last 15 years, the council has also partnered with other local organizations. These include the Local Authority Water Program, the Irish Landmarks Program, and the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland. There is support in the form of government backing and partnering with local organizations. National Heritage Week has grown into a hugely successful nationwide initiative that engages with the community and builds it up.

In 2021, there were more than 2,000 events held across Ireland within the week. The events were a mixture of individually and officially organized. There were small family and friend experiences that were shared online via social media or archives. Large-scale events got entire towns and cities involved and participating.

On the Heritage Council’s official website there’s an archive full of projects. These are events organized by local Irish citizens and submitted to the council for them to keep a record of. The archives are a repository for previous years’ events. The entire point is to keep a record of these celebrations because in celebrating Irish heritage the citizens are also building on it. This recent shift was to create online conversations, projects, and research history. All of it pertains to National Heritage Week. It shows that the week is about uniting the country in their shared heritage and beautiful outdoors. There is also an acknowledgment of how technology and online spaces are the way forward.

National Heritage Week timeline

1949

The Republic of Ireland

Most of Ireland gains independence from the U.K. when the Republic of Ireland Act is passed.

2005

The First National Heritage Week

The Heritage Council holds the first National Heritage Week in its first year of existence.

2018

Heritage Week Awards

Irish journalist and T.V. presenter Anne Cassin hosts the Heritage Week Awards in Croke Park, Dublin to award the organizers of the most engaging projects.

2021

The First Fully Online Heritage Week

Irish citizens are encouraged to create and organize their own heritage events and share them online with the #myheritageweek tag — 1,055 projects are logged.

National Heritage Week FAQs

When is National Heritage Week?

In 2026, National Heritage Week runs Saturday, August 15 through Sunday, August 23, inviting everyone to explore Ireland’s rich past and vibrant traditions.

What is the purpose of National Heritage Week?

The primary aim of National Heritage Week is to raise awareness and foster appreciation for Ireland’s built, natural, and cultural heritage. It encourages people to connect with their local history and environment through a wide array of events.

How many events take place during National Heritage Week?

Typically, thousands of events are organized across Ireland during National Heritage Week, ranging from guided tours and workshops to historical reenactments and nature walks. In recent years, over 2,000 events have been registered.

Is National Heritage Week part of a larger initiative?

Yes, National Heritage Week is Ireland’s contribution to European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. This broader program involves 50 European states.

National Heritage Week Activities

Organize your own project

Whether it’s with friends and family or you get the whole community involved, why not try starting your own project? It could celebrate ties with the culture and heritage of Ireland in a way that excites you the most. With relatively free rein, you can focus on the things that mean the most to you and celebrate accordingly.

Participate in local events

Get involved with your local community and join in for some heritage week events! Participating in community events is a great way to meet people and make new friends as well as add to the experience of National Heritage Week.

Adopt a monument

There are hundreds of monuments and relics of the past in Ireland, and they need your support. If you have the money and inclination then consider adopting an Irish monument and contributing towards the restoration and upkeep. It’s only through a combination of government and civic efforts that the heritage of the country can be properly preserved.

5 Facts About Ireland That Will Shock You

Independent vs. dependent

Around 80% of Ireland is an independent country, while the remaining portion of Northern Ireland is part of the U.K.

Isle of ice

About 15,000 years ago, the entirety of Ireland was covered in glaciers.

No snakes

There are no wild snakes in Ireland due to the country being landlocked and preventing non-flying animals from migrating there naturally.

Blockbuster backgrounds

Ireland has been the site of some scenes in blockbuster films like “Star Wars.”

Potato country

Ireland is one of the biggest exporters of potatoes, lamb, and beef.

Why We Love National Heritage Week

A celebration of culture

Heritage Week is an occasion that encourages people to celebrate the heritage and culture of Ireland. Having a specific time of the year to honor one’s country and all that comes with it fosters a greater sense of pride in their home.

Community involvement

With so many of the events during the week calling for community and family involvement, there is no shortage of community bonding. This creates a stronger and healthier community overall.

A learning opportunity

Heritage week is a great time for learning opportunities if you’re curious about Ireland’s history and culture. It’s also a great time for teaching moments. If you have kids, now is the perfect time to teach them more about their Irish heritage and what exactly it means to them and their future.