An exciting programme of over 50 events around Co. Kilkenny is planned to celebrate National Heritage Week which will take place from 16-24 August. National Heritage Week is a Heritage Council initiative held annually in partnership with local authority Heritage Officers. The week invites us to foster a deeper appreciation for the heritage that shapes our identities and communities, ensuring its preservation for future generations. It brings together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts to share their experience, knowledge, culture and practices through a variety of public events, the majority of which are free to attend.
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh commented: “We are immensely proud of our rich heritage in Co. Kilkenny and the stewards of that heritage across the county who work tirelessly to protect it and promote it all year round. I encourage everyone to get out and about to explore all that Kilkenny’s heritage has to offer during Heritage Week.
Now in its 20th year, National Heritage Week continues to be one of Ireland’s largest cultural events. This year’s theme, Exploring Our Foundations, invites us to reflect on the legacies of our past and examine the foundations upon which our communities, cultures, and identities are built. The theme encourages event organisers and participants alike to dig deeper — literally and metaphorically — into the layers that shape our understanding of place, tradition, and change. From ancient settlements and early industries, to the evolution of traditions, beliefs, and ideas, Exploring Our Foundations provides a framework to engage with the many threads of our natural, built, and cultural heritage. It offers an opportunity to uncover stories of place and people, fostering a deeper connection with the past and how it continues to inform the present.
A diverse and fun-filled programme of free and family-friendly events will take place right across the county over the course of Heritage Week with events ranging from art workshops to lectures, exhibitions and walking tours. For the full programme, further information and booking see: www.heritageweek.ie .
