National Heritage Week kicks off this Saturday August 16th, and is on track to feature a record number of events across the island of Ireland, including in
Louth.
The theme of Heritage Week this year is Exploring Our Foundations, inviting members of the public to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us. Events will be held in every county across the island of Ireland spanning built, cultural and natural heritage, many of them free to attend and suitable for all ages.
A full schedule of events taking place in Louth can be found
here. Speaking about events in Louth this year, Louth County Council Heritage officer Brendan McSherry, said; “National Heritage Week 2025 in County Louth is a chance to reconnect with the stories, skills, and landscapes that have shaped and continue to shape our communities. From walking the medieval walls of Drogheda to exploring the grounds of Bellew’s Castle or the gardens of Killineer House, this year’s events invite us to reflect on our shared past.
"There are opportunities to explore Ardee’s photographic history, learn about currachs and coracles, hear traditional music in Carlingford, or try your hand at spinning wool in the Cooley Peninsula. Natural heritage plays an important role too, with events highlighting biodiversity, climate change, and the importance of our native species.
"A special dawn chorus walk with ornithologist and wildlife sound recordist Seán Ronayne offers a moment to pause and listen to the songs all around us. Whether you're drawn to historic artefacts, local crafts, community-led conservation, or simply a quiet stroll through a story-rich landscape there’s something in Louth this Heritage Week to inspire curiosity and connection to the heritage we’ve inherited.”
This year’s celebration is particularly significant, marking 30 years since the establishment of The Heritage Council and 20 years since it took responsibility for coordinating National Heritage Week.
With support from partners such as the OPW, Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Landmark Trust and the Local Authority Waters Programme, National Heritage Week has grown to be the largest nationwide celebration of heritage annually. Twenty years ago, in 2005 there were 260 events, and last year there were more than 2,300 events. Awareness about the importance of protecting heritage has increased significantly during this time, with research commissioned by The Heritage Council showing an increase from 46% in 1999 to 68% in 2023.
Heritage Open Doors, which has been running in Cork for the last 20 years, has been extended across the island of Ireland this year for the first time. On Saturday August 16th and Sunday August 17th, the initiative will provide a rare opportunity to access buildings not normally open to the public, including private homes, civic and public buildings including courthouses, religious buildings and commercial buildings.
While the majority of events are suitable for all ages and family friendly, Wild Child Day takes place on August 23rd, with a special focus on events designed to encourage kids and families to explore the heritage in their locality and beyond. Water Heritage Day takes place on August 24th, in partnership with Local Authority Waters Programme, celebrating water throughout Ireland, its history and heritage and our connections with it.
Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said; “National Heritage Week is a true celebration of what connects us — to each other, to our communities, and to our past.
"It’s a festival that brings Ireland’s heritage to life in all its rich variety — from biodiversity to buildings, from oral traditions to waterways — and invites people of every age and background to take part. As Minister for Nature, Biodiversity and Heritage, I’m proud to support an initiative that continues to grow year on year, and I encourage everyone to explore their foundations by joining one of the thousands of events happening across the island this week.”
Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council said; “This is a special year for The Heritage Council as we celebrate 20 years coordinating National Heritage Week, as well as 30 years since our establishment. It’s heartening to see the importance of heritage embraced more broadly and enthusiastically each year. It plays such a fundamental role in our social, environmental & economic well-being.
"Our heritage is something that we share with our ancestors as well as future generations. It’s what makes us special, and it’s also something that is evolving all the time, as Ireland is. It’s a precious connection with where we live, and with each other.
“The dedication of organisations, voluntary groups and individuals in every county, together with the network of Heritage Officers in the local authorities, is what makes this national celebration so special and such a success every year and we encourage everyone to get involved, and to explore their foundations in some of the fascinating activities planned throughout the week,” she said.
