National Heritage Week begins on Saturday 17 August running until the following Sunday with opportunities across the country to celebrate Ireland’s rich heritage.

In recent years as many as 2000 separate events have been held during Heritage Week welcoming an excess of 400,000 visitors. This year is no exception with a wide range of engaging events  – from traditional skills such as Currach making in Co Kerry, to an informative talk in County Mayo on the Amazing Life of the Swift.

Each year more Members of Historic Houses of Ireland, supported by the Heritage Council, are opening their homes and gardens for wonderfully personal tours, sharing the history of their homes and some of the ups and downs of managing our great country houses.

Pictures:
Top – Heritage Week, Glenlohane County Cork
Middle (Left to Right) – Virginia Teehan CEO Heritage Council Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD with Martina Moloney Chair Heritage Council during the launch of National Heritage Week at Beaulieu House, Drogheda in July 2024
Bottom – Heritage Week, Frybrook House, Boyle

Historic Houses of Ireland says many of the houses which will open this year during Heritage Week are:

‘Protected family homes, spanning the spectrum from large castles to modest country houses. Many houses in the same hands for generations… have been preserved almost intact over the centuries creating a deep connection with the past as well as the future…(while others) more recently acquired by passionate new owners have dedicated themselves to restoring both their homes and regenerating the lands they stand on.’

Frybrook House in Boyle is opening its doors for the first time to celebrate recent renovations, as is the stunning Killua Castle in Co Westmeath, restored by new owners from almost a complete ruin. The magical Larchill Arcadian Gardens, new members of HHI, will be open throughout the week.  Alternatively, you can visit the magnificent interior of Birr Castle, home to the Parsons family for over 400 years. with a guided tour of their extraordinary fine art collection.

To find out more about the many HHI members who are opening their homes and gardens this week visit the HHI site

To learn more about other events taking place near you during Heritage Week visit What’s On