National Heritage Week 2026
Celebrate Ireland’s cultural, built, and natural heritage during National Heritage Week, taking place from 15th to 23rd of August, 2026.
National Heritage Week brings together communities, volunteers, heritage organisations, and enthusiasts to share the stories, knowledge, traditions, and practices that shape our sense of place. Following a record-breaking programme of more than 2,500 events across Ireland in 2025, this year’s festival invites visitors to explore the theme “Heritage at Risk”.
At a time of environmental change, social transformation, and rapid technological development, the theme encourages us to consider the places, traditions, skills, and natural environments that may be at risk of disappearing, and how they can be protected through care, creativity, and collective action.
Throughout the week, events across Waterford will shine a light on historic buildings and archaeological sites, traditional crafts and skills, local stories, language, biodiversity, and the landscapes that have shaped the communities for generations.
From walking tours and fascinating museum experiences to exhibitions, talks, workshops, and outdoor activities, there are plenty of opportunities to discover Waterford’s rich heritage.
National Heritage Week Events in Waterford
Waterford Treasures
Discover more about Waterford’s remarkable history through a programme of special events from Waterford Treasures:
- Highlights of the Bishop’s Palace
- Out of Storage – Maritime Objects from our Collection
- A Day in the Life of a Georgian Lady
- Walking Tour – Waterford Wall Walk
- Life in Viking Waterford
Mount Congreve Gardens
Explore heritage, movement, and landscape in the beautiful surroundings of Mount Congreve Gardens:
- The Curious World of Ireland’s Follies
- Qi Flow Movement Experience at the Chinese Pagoda
- Chinese Pagoda Explorer Activity
St Carthage’s Cathedral
Discover the cathedral’s rich heritage through music, guided tours, wildlife, and family-friendly adventures:
Woodstown Viking Site
Step back into Waterford’s Viking past with a free, family-friendly festival along the Waterford Greenway:
Lismore Heritage Centre
Discover the stories, architecture and people that have shaped the historic town of Lismore:
Kilmolash Church and Graveyard
Explore the early Christian heritage of this historic site and its connections to Waterford’s ancient pilgrim routes:
Ballysaggartmore Towers
Uncover the history, mystery, and local legends surrounding one of Waterford’s most enchanting Gothic landmarks:
Whether you are interested in local history, architecture, traditional skills, cultural practices or the natural world, National Heritage Week offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the heritage on your doorstep and consider how it can be preserved for future generations.
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