Public invited to ‘Explore our Foundations’ in Down as part of National Heritage Week 2025
National Heritage Week is on track for another record number of events this year, with more than 400,000 attendees expected across the island of Ireland.
• The Heritage Council marks 20th year coordinating Ireland’s largest celebration of heritage
• Heritage Open Doors extended nationwide for the first time.
• Family friendly events in every county, perfect for summer holiday outings and get togethers.
• Events in Down include a walking tour of Comber, storytelling through puppetry in Newry, and special exhibitions in the Museum of Childhood.
National Heritage Week kicks off this Saturday August 16th, and is on track to feature a record number of events across the island of Ireland – many of which are free – with more than 400,000 attendees expected.
This year’s celebration is particularly significant, marking 30 years since the establishment of The Heritage Council and 20 years since it took responsibility for coordinating National Heritage Week.
With support from partners such as the OPW, Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Landmark Trust and the Local Authority Waters Programme, National Heritage Week has grown to be the largest nationwide celebration of heritage annually.
Twenty years ago, in 2005 there were 260 events, and last year there were more than 2,300 events.
Awareness about the importance of protecting heritage has increased significantly during this time, with research commissioned by The Heritage Council showing an increase from 46% in 1999 to 68% in 2023.
The theme of Heritage Week this year is Exploring Our Foundations, inviting members of the public to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us.
Events will be held in every county across the island of Ireland spanning built, cultural and natural heritage, many of them free to attend and suitable for all ages.
Heritage Open Doors, which has been running in Cork for the last 20 years, has been extended across the island of Ireland this year for the first time.
On Saturday August 16th and Sunday August 17th, the initiative will provide a rare opportunity to access buildings not normally open to the public.
This includes private homes, civic and public buildings including courthouses, religious buildings and commercial buildings.
While the majority of events are suitable for all ages and family friendly, Wild Child Day takes place on August 23rd, with a special focus on events designed to encourage kids and families to explore the heritage in their locality and beyond.
Water Heritage Day takes place on August 24th, in partnership with Local Authority Waters Programme, celebrating water throughout Ireland, its history and heritage and our connections with it.
A flavour of the events taking place around the country was on display at the launch of National Heritage Week.
A launch event in City Assembly House on South William Street – which is home to the Irish Georgian Society and will be hosting daily tours throughout Heritage Week – was attended by the Fingal Mummers in their distinctive traditional straw hats and costumes, members of ‘Fragarach’ Medieval Armoured Combat, named after mythical Irish swords, and the Rediscovery Centre which will be running workshops about Ireland’s biodiversity, ecosystems, food webs, and animals.
Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said: “National Heritage Week is a true celebration of what connects us – to each other, to our communities, and to our past.
“It’s a festival that brings Ireland’s heritage to life in all its rich variety from biodiversity to buildings, from oral traditions to waterways.
“And it invites people of every age and background to take part.
“As Minister for Nature, Biodiversity and Heritage, I’m proud to support an initiative that continues to grow year on year, and I encourage everyone to explore their foundations by joining one of the thousands of events happening across the island this week.”
Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council said: “This is a special year for The Heritage Council as we celebrate 20 years coordinating National Heritage Week, as well as 30 years since our establishment.
“It’s heartening to see the importance of heritage embraced more broadly and enthusiastically each year. It plays such a fundamental role in our social, environmental & economic well-being.
“Our heritage is something that we share with our ancestors as well as future generations.
“It’s what makes us special, and it’s also something that is evolving all the time, as Ireland is. It’s a precious connection with where we live, and with each other.
“The dedication of organisations, voluntary groups and individuals in every county, together with the network of Heritage Officers in the local authorities, is what makes this national celebration so special and such a success every year.
“We encourage everyone to get involved, and to explore their foundations in some of the fascinating activities planned throughout the week,” she said.
Ronan Healy, National Heritage Week Programme Manager, said: “From the banks of the Newry Canal to the rolling countryside of Downpatrick, County Down’s Heritage Week events bring our rich history and natural beauty to life in ways that are fun, creative, and deeply engaging.
“This year’s ‘Exploring Our Foundations’ theme is the perfect fit for our waterways, landscapes, and the stories they hold, from the trades and traditions of the past to the wildlife and creativity that thrive here today.
