Across Ireland, over 1,500 events will take place from 12th – 20th August, to celebrate all aspects of Ireland’s built, natural and intangible heritage. National Heritage Week is our annual celebration of all aspects of our heritage. This is an opportunity to get out and explore some of the unique settings, from historic houses and galleries to gardens and barnyards that will be playing host to a wide range of events, covering architecture, music, archaeology and more.
This year, the theme of National Heritage Week celebrates ‘Living Heritage’ – which is defined as “the practices, knowledge and skills that have been passed from one generation to the next and are still in use today.” It’s a great chance to learn about some of the traditional skills such as lacemaking, tinsmithing and skilled crafts that you might not otherwise come across.
Here are 10 events for you to explore in Dublin for National Heritage Week
Treasure Hunt for Irish Symbols at Dublin Castle
A great day out for family, take on the challenge of a treasure hunt at Dublin Castle on 20th August.
Ardgillan Garden Tour
Located in Balbriggan, Ardgillan is a wonderful, preserved garden featuring Victorian Glasshouses, herbaceous borders, a stunning rose garden and more. Join head gardener Dominica McKevitt for a special tour of the site.
Caring for Your Family Photographs
Everyone of us has lots of family photos that may be found scattered around the house. This event from the Photo Museum Ireland shares how you can preserve and mange your photos for future generations.
Learn the skills involved in Tin smithing!
Traveller tin smithing is a disappearing tradition amongst Ireland’s travellers. At Collins Barracks you can learn about the skills of tin smithing with James Collins, one of Ireland’s last traveller tinsmiths.
Explore The History of Rathmines through its Pubs!
The history of a suburb can be told in many different ways. One way is through its pubs! On 20th August you can get the chance to learn about the story of Rathmines village at one of its most historic pubs; Murphy’s pub. Get there early to secure your seat!
Tour of Skerries Mills
Get to see inside one of Skerries landmark buildings with a tour of Skerries Mills. This fully guided your will take you on the journey of the history of the mills and its functions throughout its existence.
The Archaeology beneath Lidl on Aungier Street
The Lidl on Aungier Street has been become famous since it was opened for glass floor exposing some of Dublin city’s medieval past. In this tour, you will learn all about these structures that are not preserved underneath the supermarket.
A guided Tour of Irish Natural Hedgerows
On this tour taking place at the Botanic Gardens you can discover and learn about how hedgerows provide a habitat for wildlife and a food source for pollinators while also acting as a carbon sink and flood mitigation.
Demonstration of Irish Lacemaking
Join the Guild of Irish Lacemakers at a drop-in session at the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks for a demonstration of lacemaking techniques. Take the opportunity to try your hand at lacemaking.
Belfry Tours at St Patricks Cathedral
Explore Dublin’s famous St Patrick’s Cathedral with this rare chance to visit the tower and see the bells of St. Patrick’s in action. You will get to witness a demonstration of bell ringing and maybe even try it our for yourself.
Of course, that’s just a small taste of the many events taking place in every corner of the country for National Heritage Week…
So, for more information about National Heritage Week – running from August 12–20 – visit heritageweek.ie
