National Heritage Week events programme launched by Kildare County Council

Kildare County Council is delighted to announce the list of events confirmed for National Heritage Week 2025. This national event is now in its 20th year and the theme for 2025 is: “Exploring Our Foundations”.

This year’s programme offers something for everyone, with over 80 events taking place across County Kildare during the week.

A number of craft display and training events have been planned which aim to reflect the definition of “Heritage” as the "practices, knowledge and skills that have been passed from one generation to the next and are still in use today”. Heritage features of national significance, such as the canal network (consisting of the Grand and Royal canals and the Barrow Navigation) are also incorporated in the programme. Other events showcase conservation works done to maintain historically important buildings into the future.

Some highlights include:

• Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen – Weeklong event

• Peatlands Immersive Experience, Monasterevin – Weeklong event

• The Curragh Military Story, Curragh Military Museum – Weeklong event

• Moth Morning, Maynooth – Saturday, August 16

• Tour of Ballitore Quaker Burial Ground - Saturday, August 16

• Guided Walk of Ballynafagh Lake – Tuesday, August 19

• Making Connections Through Traditional Music and Dance, Clane - Tuesday, August 19

• Heritage at Play, Leixlip Library – Wednesday, August 20

• History of the Irish National Stud, Kildare Town - Wednesday, August 20

• Ceardlann Tógála  Bád, Naas Harbour – Wednesday, August 20

• Seal le Ré Ó Laighléis, Kildare Town Community Library – Thursday, August 21

The Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Carmel Kelly welcomed the event, saying: “Heritage Week provides a fantastic opportunity for local groups and organisations to showcase their own local heritage, of which they are justifiably proud. The tremendous efforts, often on a voluntary basis, of these enthusiastic and committed people demonstrate that the protection of heritage is a shared responsibility which is taken very seriously by the people of County Kildare. 

I look forward to attending a number of these events. I would like to wish everyone well in this year’s events and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the rich heritage of Kildare.” 

Most events are free, however advance booking is advised. Some events may be weather dependent and take place on uneven ground so suitable dress and footwear is recommended.  For full details and booking, visit:  kildarecoco.ie or  www.heritageweek.ie

Dara Wyer, Heritage Officer, Kildare County Council added: “Heritage Week presents an opportunity for us all to take part in some of the nearly 80 events or initiatives organised by community groups to present and explain local heritage and to discover the wealth of fascinating heritage within the county. National Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on not only our heritage but the work of hundreds of Kildare volunteers who give of their time and knowledge to preserve and promote it."

This initiative is coordinated by the Heritage Council and Local Authority Heritage Officers and supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with the aim of fostering a greater understanding and awareness of our own local heritage.

Alan Dunney, Director of Service, Kildare County Council said: “I am amazed at the number and variety of events happening during Heritage Week this year. We have events taking place right across the county, many of which are organised by history, heritage, and Tidy Towns groups to showcase their local heritage. I would like to thank these groups for their enthusiasm andenergy during Heritage Week each year."

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