Heritage at Risk encourages us to explore the built, natural and cultural aspects of our heritage that are endangered, for us to reimagine and revive these sites, artefacts and practices.
National Heritage Week celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage.
It brings together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts to share their experience, knowledge culture and practices
About National Heritage Week
National Heritage Week, an initiative by the Heritage Council, celebrates all things heritage. It brings together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts, to build awareness about the value of heritage and support its conservation.
National Heritage Week 2026 will take place from 15th - 23rd August.
The theme for National Heritage Week 2026 is "Heritage at Risk". This year's theme invites us to reflect on what heritage is at risk — and how we can respond with care, creativity, and collective responsibility.
Since the Heritage Council assumed responsibility for National Heritage Week in 2005, it has grown from a small 500 event to almost 2,000 events in 2023. The Heritage Council assumed the role of coordinator of National Heritage Week from the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government. Since then the week has grown into a highly successful programme.
History
National Heritage Week has grown since becoming part of the Heritage Council. Starting off small with a limited number of events, it has grown to be an island-wide event celebrating all aspects of our built, natural and cultural heritage. The nine day long event now includes Wild Child Day and Water Heritage Day as part of its event.
Did you know that the theme for National Heritage Week is also the theme for over 40 European countries? As National Heritage Week is part of the European Heritage Days network, Ireland along with other countries collectively decide the theme for Heritage Week each year. Since 2010, National Heritage Week has had its own theme.
The list below explore the themes for each years events and how it has grown.
General Info