Get ready to celebrate all the best things about our heritage with over 2,000 events taking place during National Heritage Week. We can't list them all, but here are 5 fun things to do this weekend to get you going.
Our friends from the Heritage Council have thousands of fun activities and days out taking from 16 to 24 August. They will bring together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts, to build awareness about the value of heritage and support its conservation.
Celebration of Traditional Skills - 16 August 11am to 4pm
Come along to Áras na hOidhreachta, Church Lane, Kilkenny for a celebration of Ireland's traditional craft and building skills. This an entertaining day for all the family. It's free and no booking is required - just drop in!
See master craftspeople in action, including lime plastering, stone cutting, blacksmithing, thatching, and glassmaking. Explore the history of the Heritage Council's headquarters, the former Bishop's Palace, a remarkable building that has stood witness to centuries of change in Kilkenny. There's engaging activities for children will be all day - come along and join in the fun!
Athlone Castle Free Open Day - 16 August 10:30am to 5:30pm
Storm the Castle! The Athlone Castle open day will feature lots of guest demonstrations, tours of the castle and more.
Athlone Castle's flagship Heritage Week event returns once more, with free admission for all! The castle courtyard will be transported through the centuries to the heart of medieval life, with a spectacular array of traditional craftspeople, hands-on demonstrations, and engaging activities for all ages.
Rekindle Festival of Lost Skills - 16 August
The Rekindle Festival of Lost Skills returns to Ennistymon on Saturday, 16 August, celebrating heritage, community, and craft through a full day of activities.
This free event brings together local makers, musicians, and storytellers to share traditional skills and cultural heritage in a welcoming, hands-on setting.
Please note that all workshops have limited capacity, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Woodstown Viking Festival - 17th August 12pm to 5pm
Celebrate the heritage of Vikings in Ireland with a gathering on the edge of Waterford that was once home to the Vikings.
Usually, the Waterford Greenway is very peaceful but for one day only, there will be war! The Woodstown Viking Site will see battle re-enactments, Viking games, a craft village and archaeology activities for children.
The immersive event is brought to you by Déise Medieval in collaboration with Waterford City and County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and supported by National Museum of Ireland, TVAS Archaeology, the Discovery Programme and SETU.
Athenry Walled Town Day - 17th August 1pm to 5pm
A big celebration of the Norman heritage of Athenry. Set in the shadow of the castle, this celebration will feature craft demonstrations, a chance to see medieval arms and much more.
Join us at Athenry Community Park and Athenry Heritage Centre for a free family fun day celebrating the rich heritage of Athenry.
This year's theme, Exploring Our Foundations, invites visitors of all ages to enjoy a vibrant mix of arts, crafts, music, song and dance, medieval reenactments, puppet shows, children’s activities, food stalls, historical presentations, and a walking tour of the historic town. Step back in time and experience the magic of medieval Athenry!
Imeachtaí Gaeilge le linn Seachtain na hOidhreachta
Click here to see all the Heritage Week events.
For more great days out and fun things to do visit RTÉ Lifestyle.
