Kildare County Council Launches 2026 National Heritage Week Programme
Over 100 events taking place across County Kildare from Saturday, 15 August to Sunday, 23 August
Kildare County Council is delighted to announce the programme for National Heritage Week 2026, taking place from Saturday,15 to Sunday, 23 August.
This year's theme "Heritage at Risk”, highlights the importance of protecting the places, traditions, knowledge and skills that have been passed down through generations and continue to shape our communities today.
Now in its 21st year, National Heritage week offers something for everyone, with more than 100 events taking place across County Kildare. The programme includes guided walks, workshops, talks, open days, exhibitions and family friendly activities.
Many events will showcase the work being done to protect and maintain historically important buildings, while others focus on preserving traditional crafts, local stories, placements, natural heritage and cultural practices. Together, they offer an opportunity to explore how we can all help to keep Kildare's heritage a vibrant and important part of who we are.
Highlights of this year’s programme include:
- Open Day at Castletown Gate Lodges, Celbridge - Sunday, 16 August.
- The Curragh Military Story, Curragh Military Museum - running throughout the week
- Dragonfly & Damselfly Walk, Bog of Allen Nature Centre - Monday, 17 August.
- Remembering the Clongorey Evictions, Clongorey Community Centre - Tuesday, 18 August.
- Kildare Local Placenames Workshop, Teach Diarmada, Castledermot - Wednesday, 19 August.
- Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen - running throughout the week
- Ogham Clay Pendant Workshop for children, Athy Library - Thursday, 20 August
- The Story of the Curragh- free audio guide available throughout the week at: https://www.abartaheritage.ie/the-story-of-the-curragh-of-kildare-audiobook/
Leas-Chathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Tracey O’Dwyer welcomed the programme, saying: “The theme being “Heritage at Risk” is a timely reminder of how fragile some of our heritage is- be it an old historic building or a local craft, they can be vulnerable to being lost forever. Heritage Week allows local groups and organisations to showcase their own heritage projects and the tremendous efforts taken to protect our shared heritage throughout the year I would like to wish everyone well in this year’s Heritage Week and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the rich heritage of Kildare.”
Dara Wyer, Heritage Officer, Kildare County Council added: “Heritage Week is an opportunity for us all to go to some of the 100 plus events organised by community groups, owners of heritage properties, and others 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”.
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”.
Most events are free, however advance booking is advised. Some events may be weather dependent and take place on uneven ground, so suitable clothing and footwear are recommended.
For full details and booking information, copies of the event guide are available from libraries, Council offices and selected bookshops. The event guide can also be viewed at:
https://kildarecoco.ie/AllServices/Heritage/CommunityHeritage-GetinvolvedinHeritage/HeritageWeek/
This initiative is coordinated by the Heritage Council and Local Authority Heritage Officers to foster greater understanding and awareness of our own local heritage.
