1. Traditional Wood Crafting with Eoin Reardon, Co Mayo
On Sunday 24 August, join skilled woodworker and heritage craft advocate Eoin Reardon, as he shares his passion for traditional woodworking, from hand tools to heritage joinery techniques.
Taking place in the National Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park, Castlebar, the event will showcase the beauty and precision of working with wood the old-fashioned way. This demonstration will provide a platform for sustainable craft, local history, and the simple joy of making something.
Organisers are inviting people to reconnect with the roots of Irish rural life through the living traditions of basket weaving and woodworking through hands-on demonstrations. Admission is free and no booking is required.
museum.ie
Eoin Reardon in action at Bunratty Castle./ pic credit: Eamon Ward
2. Woodstown Viking Festival, Co Waterford
Áonach na nDéise – the Woodstown Viking Festival on the Waterford Greenway is the signature event of Waterford’s Heritage Week Programme, which is now running for its eighth year. Taking place from 16-17 August, the festival celebrates the Viking heritage of Waterford and Woodstown, where, 21 years ago, the largest Viking find in over a century was discovered.
The festival is hosted by the dedicated and authentic re-enactment group Déise Medieval and supported by the heritage officer of Waterford City and County Council and the archaeology team from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
The free and family-friendly event draws great crowds every year, who come to watch the vigorous Viking fighting in battle re-enactments, crafts on display from spinning and weaving to jewellery making, leatherworking, pottery and woodturning.
The event may be accessed by walking/cycling (10 minutes) from Carriganore car park along the Greenway.
@Déise_Medieval
3. A Day In The Bog, Co Kerry
On 16 August, historian Tom Dillon considers the heritage and folklore associated with bogs at the Kerry Writers’ Museum in Listowel.
The natural calendar of the domestic economy of farm families in north Kerry in the past was punctuated by three communal events: the killing of a pig, saving the hay and bringing in the turf. Each created a foundation for many of the traditions associated with rural Ireland and, since the 1960s, has had a special place in home movie records created by farming communities.
The day-long event begins with Aideen O’Sullivan introducing a screening of Home Turf (2011), which is a short film celebrating the ancient art of cutting turf shot at Killarda Bog, near Listowel.
Paul Kennelly, veteran day-in-the-bog activist and filmmaker, will join Tom and Aideen for a discussion of the ongoing importance of bogs. The gathering then moves to nearby Killocrim Bog for a walk on the bog guided by Dillon. Advanced booking is advised.
kerrywritersmuseum.com
Historian Tom Dillon gets ready for Heritage Week 2025 with a walk in Killocrim Bog near Listowel.
4. Voices from Behind the
Curtain, Co Westmeath
An evening to launch the start of a new oral history project for Athlone Little Theatre takes place during Heritage Week on 22 August at 8pm.
As the theatre prepares to celebrate the 90th anniversary of its foundation, its members are inviting the public to join them to hear the theatrical experiences of those who have given their lives to the cultural life of Athlone and its environs.
The evening will feature on-stage interviews with some of the longest-serving members interspersed with readings from their favourite productions, recalling the many memorable moments in the theatre’s long and storied history.
Renowned theatre historian Dr Fiona Brennan will officially launch ‘Voices from Behind the Curtain’ on the night with a short talk on the importance of collecting amateur theatrical history.
Admission is free, but booking is advised via Eventbrite.
athlonelittletheatre.ie
5. Heritage Open Day and Lá Gaelach, Co Donegal
Located in Carrigart, Co Donegal, Teach John Micí Bán offers a treasure trove of wonders to all who step into the two-storey home. Come, visit and explore the museum and learn about rural life in the heart of the Gaeltacht during this year’s Heritage Week.
On 16 August, there will be a spinning wheel demonstration by Lorna Shannon. There will also be music and songs from the Duffy Sisters.
The second event – Lá Gaelach – will take place on 17 August, where local singer and instrumentalist Noel Mac Liam will sing and play music for visitors.
Once a family home, Teach John Micí Bán is known for its collection of artefacts from rural life in the early 20th century. It’s also famed for the owners’ willingness to share stories and knowledge with visitors. Everyone can learn about how people communicated, farmed and socialised over a century ago.
buildingsofireland.ie
Teach John Micí Bán located in Carrigart.
6. Exploring the Archaeology of Loop Head, Co Clare
Clare County Council, with the support of Loop Head Together and Loop Head Tourism, is inviting people to take a virtual tour of the dramatic coastline of Loop Head. On 19 August, visitors can experience a digital cliff exploration at Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee, through an interactive 3D model created using high-resolution remote sensing technologies.
Last year, Clare County Council commissioned SurveyLabs Ireland, the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS), School of Engineering, University of Limerick, to fly drones across Loop Head to collect LiDAR data and photography. Dr Bonsall and his colleagues at AMS have analysed the data to explore Loop Head from the land and from the sea. The result is a detailed digital record of archaeological monuments, holy wells, and striking geological features – many of which are at risk from coastal erosion.
Combining archaeology, folklore, and community knowledge, the project offers new insights into the cultural landscape of this unique peninsula.
clarearts.ie
7. Family Scavenger Hunt, Co Roscommon
An interactive activity for the whole family is taking place in the Victorian walled gardens at Strokestown Park, Co Roscommon during Heritage Week. From 16 August, visitors can pick up a scavenger hunt map from reception and enjoy exploring the grounds in a fun and engaging way. Children will learn fascinating facts about birds, bugs, and plants that call the garden home while wandering through the vibrant flower beds, heritage vegetable plots and peaceful pathways.
This is an ideal way to spend an afternoon with the family. No pre-booking required, just register at reception on arrival.
strokestownpark.ie
Strokestown Park will host a family scavenger hunt in its walled garden this Heritage Week. \ Fáilte Ireland
To discover more events taking place in your local area this National Heritage Week visit heritageweek.ie.
1. Traditional Wood Crafting with Eoin Reardon, Co Mayo
On Sunday 24 August, join skilled woodworker and heritage craft advocate Eoin Reardon, as he shares his passion for traditional woodworking, from hand tools to heritage joinery techniques.
Taking place in the National Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park, Castlebar, the event will showcase the beauty and precision of working with wood the old-fashioned way. This demonstration will provide a platform for sustainable craft, local history, and the simple joy of making something.
Organisers are inviting people to reconnect with the roots of Irish rural life through the living traditions of basket weaving and woodworking through hands-on demonstrations. Admission is free and no booking is required.
museum.ie
Eoin Reardon in action at Bunratty Castle./ pic credit: Eamon Ward
2. Woodstown Viking Festival, Co Waterford
Áonach na nDéise – the Woodstown Viking Festival on the Waterford Greenway is the signature event of Waterford’s Heritage Week Programme, which is now running for its eighth year. Taking place from 16-17 August, the festival celebrates the Viking heritage of Waterford and Woodstown, where, 21 years ago, the largest Viking find in over a century was discovered.
The festival is hosted by the dedicated and authentic re-enactment group Déise Medieval and supported by the heritage officer of Waterford City and County Council and the archaeology team from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
The free and family-friendly event draws great crowds every year, who come to watch the vigorous Viking fighting in battle re-enactments, crafts on display from spinning and weaving to jewellery making, leatherworking, pottery and woodturning.
The event may be accessed by walking/cycling (10 minutes) from Carriganore car park along the Greenway.
@Déise_Medieval
3. A Day In The Bog, Co Kerry
On 16 August, historian Tom Dillon considers the heritage and folklore associated with bogs at the Kerry Writers’ Museum in Listowel.
The natural calendar of the domestic economy of farm families in north Kerry in the past was punctuated by three communal events: the killing of a pig, saving the hay and bringing in the turf. Each created a foundation for many of the traditions associated with rural Ireland and, since the 1960s, has had a special place in home movie records created by farming communities.
The day-long event begins with Aideen O’Sullivan introducing a screening of Home Turf (2011), which is a short film celebrating the ancient art of cutting turf shot at Killarda Bog, near Listowel.
Paul Kennelly, veteran day-in-the-bog activist and filmmaker, will join Tom and Aideen for a discussion of the ongoing importance of bogs. The gathering then moves to nearby Killocrim Bog for a walk on the bog guided by Dillon. Advanced booking is advised.
kerrywritersmuseum.com
Historian Tom Dillon gets ready for Heritage Week 2025 with a walk in Killocrim Bog near Listowel.
4. Voices from Behind the
Curtain, Co Westmeath
An evening to launch the start of a new oral history project for Athlone Little Theatre takes place during Heritage Week on 22 August at 8pm.
As the theatre prepares to celebrate the 90th anniversary of its foundation, its members are inviting the public to join them to hear the theatrical experiences of those who have given their lives to the cultural life of Athlone and its environs.
The evening will feature on-stage interviews with some of the longest-serving members interspersed with readings from their favourite productions, recalling the many memorable moments in the theatre’s long and storied history.
Renowned theatre historian Dr Fiona Brennan will officially launch ‘Voices from Behind the Curtain’ on the night with a short talk on the importance of collecting amateur theatrical history.
Admission is free, but booking is advised via Eventbrite.
athlonelittletheatre.ie
5. Heritage Open Day and Lá Gaelach, Co Donegal
Located in Carrigart, Co Donegal, Teach John Micí Bán offers a treasure trove of wonders to all who step into the two-storey home. Come, visit and explore the museum and learn about rural life in the heart of the Gaeltacht during this year’s Heritage Week.
On 16 August, there will be a spinning wheel demonstration by Lorna Shannon. There will also be music and songs from the Duffy Sisters.
The second event – Lá Gaelach – will take place on 17 August, where local singer and instrumentalist Noel Mac Liam will sing and play music for visitors.
Once a family home, Teach John Micí Bán is known for its collection of artefacts from rural life in the early 20th century. It’s also famed for the owners’ willingness to share stories and knowledge with visitors. Everyone can learn about how people communicated, farmed and socialised over a century ago.
buildingsofireland.ie
Teach John Micí Bán located in Carrigart.
6. Exploring the Archaeology of Loop Head, Co Clare
Clare County Council, with the support of Loop Head Together and Loop Head Tourism, is inviting people to take a virtual tour of the dramatic coastline of Loop Head. On 19 August, visitors can experience a digital cliff exploration at Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee, through an interactive 3D model created using high-resolution remote sensing technologies.
Last year, Clare County Council commissioned SurveyLabs Ireland, the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS), School of Engineering, University of Limerick, to fly drones across Loop Head to collect LiDAR data and photography. Dr Bonsall and his colleagues at AMS have analysed the data to explore Loop Head from the land and from the sea. The result is a detailed digital record of archaeological monuments, holy wells, and striking geological features – many of which are at risk from coastal erosion.
Combining archaeology, folklore, and community knowledge, the project offers new insights into the cultural landscape of this unique peninsula.
clarearts.ie
7. Family Scavenger Hunt, Co Roscommon
An interactive activity for the whole family is taking place in the Victorian walled gardens at Strokestown Park, Co Roscommon during Heritage Week. From 16 August, visitors can pick up a scavenger hunt map from reception and enjoy exploring the grounds in a fun and engaging way. Children will learn fascinating facts about birds, bugs, and plants that call the garden home while wandering through the vibrant flower beds, heritage vegetable plots and peaceful pathways.
This is an ideal way to spend an afternoon with the family. No pre-booking required, just register at reception on arrival.
strokestownpark.ie
Strokestown Park will host a family scavenger hunt in its walled garden this Heritage Week. \ Fáilte Ireland
To discover more events taking place in your local area this National Heritage Week visit heritageweek.ie.
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