Offaly recognised at National Heritage Week Awards 2026
The Rambling House from Birr Theatre & Arts Centre with Birr Men Together recognised as runner-up in the Heritage at Risk Award
THE winners of the National Heritage Week Awards 2026 were announced following a ceremony held in the Grand Hall, Dublin.
Offaly was represented by The Rambling House from Birr Theatre & Arts Centre with Birr Men Together, which was recognised as runner-up in the Heritage at Risk Award.
The Awards celebrate the commitment and creativity of individuals, community groups and organisations who help people connect with Ireland’s built, cultural and natural heritage through National Heritage Week.
This recognition highlights the contribution made by The Rambling House, which engaged audiences with local heritage and reflected the values of National Heritage Week.
Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council, said: “The Heritage Council warmly congratulates all of the winners and runners-up recognised in the National Heritage Week Awards 2026. This year’s theme, Heritage at Risk, encouraged communities to explore and protect the places, traditions, skills and stories that are vulnerable or under threat.”
Amanda Pedlow, Heritage Officer for Offaly, said: “The Rambling House arranged by Birr Theatre and Arts Centre collaborating with Birr Men Together celebrated one of Ireland’s most important traditions of storytelling, memory and community gathering. Appropriately this was hosted by the Egan family, previous Heritage Hero award winners in Carrigeen Farmhouse. This recognition acknowledges the project’s success in keeping an important aspect of our intangible heritage alive and relevant.”
A full list of National Heritage Week Awards 2026 winners and runners-up is available at: www.heritageweek.ie