Brought to you by National Heritage Week
Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained during the final stretch of the summer holidays?
National Heritage Week 2024 runs from 17th to 25th August, and this year’s programme is jam-packed with inspiring and engaging events for all ages.
This year, the theme is Connections, Routes and Networks, and up and down the country, local communities will be celebrating their heritage with a line-up of guided walks, workshops, craft demonstrations and performances. Right now, there are hundreds of free events to choose from, and that number is only expected to rise.
You can check out the full programme of events right here, and you can use the website’s handy filters to show you events taking place in your county. You can also use this feature to quickly find autism-friendly events, fully wheelchair accessible events, events as Gaelige and events interpreted with Irish Sign Language. What’s more, you can even use the My Events Trail feature to create your own personalised schedule of events.
As excitement builds for National Heritage Week 2024, we thought we’d pick a few of our highlights. Check them out below!
Fox and Raven Stick Puppets
Where? The State Apartments, Dublin Castle
When? Friday, 23rd August, 11am – 2pm
At this workshop, participants will take inspiration from the foxes and ravens depicted on the Louis XV style gilt wood chairs of the Apollo Room in Dublin Castle to make some adorable stick puppets of their very own. This workshop is free of charge, but booking is essential as places are limited.
Traveller Culture Exhibit
Where? Toraig on the Tobair, the Traveller Cultural Exhibit, Cork Public Museum
When? Tuesday, 20 August, 12pm – 1pm
Come along to the Cork Public Museum this National Heritage Week and celebrate the culture of Ireland’s Travellers. Here, you’ll find a full size barreltop wagon as well as photos and short films and a new children’s activity pack for younger visitors.
Robin Hood Puppet Show
Where? Cahir Castle, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
When? Saturday, 24th August, 12:30pm – 12:45pm, 2:30pm – 3:15pm, 4:30pm – 5:15pm
Settle in for an afternoon of entertainment in the very fitting setting of Cahir Castle. Take in the stunning surrounds, sit back and watch this medieval tale come to life thanks to this creative and colourful performance.
Paint Your Own Medieval Tile
Where? Old Mellifont Abbey, Drogheda, Co. Louth
When? Sunday, 18th August and Sunday, 25th August, 11am – 3:30pm
Embrace Ireland’s rich Medieval art history at this workshop in the picturesque Melifont Abbey. During the session, you’ll paint your very own Medieval tile, reminiscent of the tiles that were excavated from this Abbey.
Glendalough in LEGO Workshop for Neurodivergent Families
Where? Glendalough Visitor Centre OPW, Co. Wicklow
When? Saturday, 24th August, 10:30am – 12:30pm and 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Got a LEGO lover at home? Let their creativity flow at this workshop geared towards neurodivergent children and their families. Each workshop boasts four activities where your little ones will get the chance to recreate the iconic architecture of Glendalough in LEGO form.
