File photo of the Rock of Cashel.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced an exciting programme of events taking place at heritage sites across Ireland for Heritage Week 2025, which runs from Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 August, with one event taking place in Tipperary as part of the week.
Organised by the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland’s largest cultural events. The OPW is pleased to support National Heritage Week to ensure individuals, groups and families can get out and explore what Ireland’s heritage sites has to offer.
This year’s theme, "Exploring Our Foundations", invites the public to reflect on the structures, landscapes, stories and cultural practices that have shaped Irish life over the centuries.
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From family fun days and living history displays to music, workshops, and guided tours, the 2025 programme features engaging events at OPW sites nationwide, with activities for all ages and interests.
Launching this initiative, the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said:
‘This year’s National Heritage Week theme ‘Exploring Our Foundations’ is very fitting with the range of conservation projects that the OPW has undertaken in recent times.
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Our sites offer a rich tapestry of events that have approached the theme from a number of perspectives, including the community, biodiversity and conservation.
With over 100 events on offer for the duration of Heritage Week, and our free admission day on Saturday 16th August, there is something for everyone to enjoy’
Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive at the Heritage Council said:
“National Heritage Week plays an exceptional role in uniting Ireland’s built, natural, and cultural heritage within a single, vibrant festival. Over the past 25 years, it has significantly deepened public awareness and appreciation of heritage—shaping more informed attitudes, changing hearts and minds, and contributing to the safeguarding of our remarkable heritage assets.
As CEO of the Heritage Council, I feel privileged to work so closely with the passionate individuals and communities who bring this week to life each year. I would also like to acknowledge the OPW as an outstanding partner in National Heritage Week—its stewardship of so many of Ireland’s most magnificent heritage sites offers people a unique and powerful way to experience the richness of our shared past.”
Highlights of OPWs National Heritage Week Programme include:
Embark on a Local Link to the Past and use your Local Link ticket to gain free entry to sites on the Local Link network.
Participating sites include Doneraile Court and Estate, The Rock of Cashel, The Glendalough and Clonmacnoise Monastic Sites and Visitor Centres, Portumna Castle and Gardens, Sligo Abbey, Donegal Castle, Charles Fort, Ennis Friary, Ionad an Bhlascaoid – the Blasket Centre.
Visit heritageireland.ie for more details.
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