Communities in Kildare invited to register events for National Heritage Week 2026
This year’s theme, Heritage at Risk, focuses on how we protect and sustain heritage in changing times
Event registration for National Heritage Week 2026 is now open, with community organisations, volunteers and heritage groups across Kildare invited to contribute to the festival programme running from August 15-23 2026.
Now in its 26th year, National Heritage Week is Ireland’s largest celebration of built, cultural, and natural heritage, with over 2,500 events taking place annually, attended by almost half a million people.
This week-long festival is an all-island initiative, with the majority of events free to attend.
This year’s theme, Heritage at Risk, invites individuals and communities to consider the elements of our heritage that are vulnerable or under threat – from historic buildings and archaeological sites to natural habitats, traditional skills, folklore, language and ways of life.
Through guided walks, hands-on workshops, talks, performances and heritage trails, events will highlight not only the richness of local heritage, but the importance of protecting and sustaining it for future generations.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said: “National Heritage Week is driven by the passion, creativity and commitment of volunteers, community groups and heritage champions right across Ireland. Their dedication is what makes the week such a success year after year, bringing our shared heritage to life in towns, villages and neighbourhoods.
“Collective community action serves as the most effective safeguard for vulnerable heritage assets, ensuring that built heritage landmarks, ecological habitats and heritage stories and traditions are preserved for future generations.
“I encourage communities to register their events for this year’s programme. It’s a wonderful opportunity to welcome new people into your community and to shine a light on what makes your area unique.”
Kildare County Council heritage officer Dara Wyer added: “National Heritage Week is an important opportunity for communities in Kildare to celebrate the heritage that shapes the county, while also thinking about what is vulnerable and how it can be safeguarded. From historic sites and landscapes to traditions, stories and local knowledge, there is so much worth protecting and sharing. We hosted 102 events in 2025, an increase of 21% on the previous year which highlights the growing interest. I would encourage community groups, schools, volunteers and heritage organisations to register an event and help bring that heritage to life.”
Last year, Kildare included events such as The Peatlands Immersive Experience – Monasterevin and Discover Castledermot’s Medieval Foundations.
Speaking about the importance of National Heritage Week, Heritage Council Chief Executive Officer, Viriginia Teehan, said: “National Heritage Week is a true highlight in our calendar and a special time to connect with the places, traditions and stories that shape our sense of identity and belonging. This year’s theme, Heritage at Risk, invites us to look more closely at the aspects of our built, natural and cultural heritage that are most precious and, in some cases, most vulnerable.
“With the continued support of the Heritage Council, the programme has grown year on year, with more than 2,500 events now taking place nationwide - a testament to the dedication and imagination of communities across Ireland.
“From historic buildings and landscapes to language, folklore, skills and local knowledge, heritage lives within our communities. Through the events created by communities across the country, National Heritage Week fosters pride and creativity, supports economic vitality at a local level, and highlights the importance of protecting and sustaining our heritage for future generations. It is always inspiring to see the range of events and projects that come to life each year, and the passion of the people who make them possible.”
Organisers are encouraged to register their events for National Heritage Week 2026 at www.heritageweek.ie, where resources will be available to support event planning, accessibility, and promotion.