National Heritage Week is Ireland’s nine-day heritage love-in celebrating everything that makes us tick—from our stunning landscapes and historic architecture to our rich culture. The week’s mission? To make us all heritage buffs and inspire us to preserve what’s ours. It’s part of the European Heritage Days, a collaboration between the Council of Europe and the European Union.
So, who’s behind National Heritage Week? The Heritage Council is the mastermind behind National Heritage Week, orchestrating and promoting it across the country. But they’re not alone—hundreds of organisations, communities, and individuals jump in with their own events and projects. Since the Heritage Council took the reins in 2005, this event has snowballed into a massive affair, with over 1,000 events and projects lighting up the National Heritage Week website just last year.
Can just anyone throw an event or project into the mix? Absolutely! Whether you’re a one-man band, a community group, a business, or anything in between, you can organise something spectacular for National Heritage Week. The only catch? You’ll need to upload your event or project details to the National Heritage Week website to get in on the action.
How do I register an event or project? It’s easy-peasy! From May 1st to August 27th, you can head over to the “Organise an Event / Project” page on the National Heritage Week website and register as an official organizer.
Is there a deadline to upload my event or project? Ahem, you must have skipped the last question! Circle Tuesday, August 27th, on your calendar—that’s your last chance to upload your event or project details to Heritage Week.
What kind of events and projects are welcome? The sky’s the limit! Whether your passion is wildlife, ancient ruins, or even walled towns, there’s a spot for your project. Whether it’s forests or folklore, local history or lakes, there’s something for everyone. You can revisit an old project, like that monument your town has been researching, or dive into something completely new. Got an idea that involves digital wizardry? Fantastic! Just make sure your results are shareable—think online talks, videos, podcasts, or a snazzy blog.
What’s the theme for National Heritage Week 2024? This year, it’s all about “Connections, Routes, and Networks.” So, when you’re dreaming up your event or project, think about how our heritage links us all together. For the lowdown on the theme, check out the “Organise an Event / Project” page on the website.
Get ready to celebrate Ireland’s heritage like never before and check out the event listings here!
