Open the door to National Heritage Week events in Dublin

National Heritage Week, one of Ireland’s largest cultural events, runs from this Saturday, August 14, to Sunday, August 22.

It is being marked locally by a series of heritage projects developed by groups across Dublin.

Local heritage groups and organisers, families, communities and individuals across Dublin have responded to this year’s call to ‘Open the door to heritage’, creating online projects that are free to explore throughout National Heritage Week.

Some in-person events will also take place, in line with public health guidelines.

Discover some of the National Heritage Week events happening in Dublin:

• History and heritage boat tours Grand Canal Dock: A 45 minute circumnavigation of the 25 acre GCD site will be led by a member of the Inland Waterways Association. In the course of the tour, participants will be introduced to the history and architecture of this facility in the heart of Dublin Docklands which dates from 1796. This event is available on Sunday, 22 August at 11.00 am, 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm. More…
• Viking experience at Clondalkin Round Tower: Hosted by Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Group., this Viking tent at Brú Chrónáin Heritage Centre, Tower Road will enable attendees to encounter objects and crafts from the Viking era. More…
• Daily Genealogical Research Assistance on Zoom: As part of National Heritage Week 2021, the Genealogical Society of Ireland will be running a daily Zoom session with experts to assist the public with research, or to help them get started on their genealogical journey. The sessions will take place from Saturday, 14th to Sunday, 22nd August at 1pm to 2pm. More…

For more information on these projects, and to explore others, visit www.heritageweek.ie

Spanning natural, cultural and built heritage, projects aim to encourage ‘heritage newcomers’, as well as enthusiasts and experts, to engage with all aspects of Ireland’s heritage.

Special emphasis has been placed on engaging individuals and groups who may not traditionally feel included in local heritage, or organising projects that speak to lesser-known aspects of local heritage.

Commenting, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said: “Ireland’s heritage is as rich and diverse as contemporary Ireland itself.

“It is something that is shared by all of us and continually evolving.  In this spirit, National Heritage Week is an opportunity to come together and rally around Ireland’s unique heritage. It is also a chance to show our appreciation for those who champion it at community, local and national level, ensuring its preservation, protection and celebration.

“This year’s National Heritage Week offers something for every taste and interest, whether that is natural landscapes, wildlife and habitats, buildings and monuments, or customs and practices like art, sport and music.

“I encourage people across Ireland to visit the National Heritage Week website and explore projects that might interest them, or find a local event to participate in. National Heritage Week is a special opportunity to reach out and connect with each other through Ireland’s wonderful, precious heritage.”

Two themed days will take place during National Heritage Week.

On Wednesday, 18^th August, Wild Child Day encourages children and families to explore the heritage in their locality. On Sunday, 22^nd August, the Heritage Council and the Local Authority Waters Programme invite people to explore National Heritage Week projects that celebrate water and our connections with it.

People interested in attending in-person events are advised to consult the individual event page on the National Heritage Week website, or contact event organisers for full details of registration and attendance, which is subject to the prevailing public health and events guidelines.

Coordinated by the Heritage Council since 2005, National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland’s largest cultural events. It is supported by the Local Authority Heritage Officer network and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

For more information on Heritage Week events near you, and events happening online, visit www.heritageweek.ie