Ireland's National Heritage Week: Free admission day to over 50 heritage sites

More than 50 heritage sites across Ireland will be offering free admission on Saturday, August 15, to mark the opening of National Heritage Week 2026.

The theme for this year’s National Heritage Week is ‘Heritage at Risk’, encouraging visitors to reflect on the aspects of our heritage that are vulnerable or under threat.

“National Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to connect with Ireland’s rich cultural and built heritage," Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, said at the Office of Public Works (OPW) launch of National Heritage Week.

"I am very pleased the OPW is once again offering free admission to over 50 heritage sites on Saturday, 15 August, giving even more people the opportunity to visit and experience these remarkable places.

"This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk’, highlights the importance of protecting and preserving the heritage that shapes our communities. Through this initiative, we hope to encourage families, visitors and local communities to explore the extraordinary heritage sites in their area and to engage with the wide range of events taking place across the country during Heritage Week.”

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive at The Heritage Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Office of Public Works once again as a valued partner of National Heritage Week 2026.

"The OPW’s decision to offer free admission to its fee-paying heritage sites on Saturday, 15 August, is a wonderful way to mark the opening weekend of Heritage Week and to encourage more people to discover and engage with Ireland’s remarkable heritage.

"This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk,' invites us all to reflect on the places, traditions, landscapes and biodiversity that require our care and protection.

"By opening the doors of so many important heritage sites, the OPW is helping people to connect with the heritage around them and to better understand its value for future generations.

"We look forward to working with the OPW and communities across the country to celebrate and safeguard our shared heritage throughout National Heritage Week.”

To mark Heritage Week, the OPW is presenting an extensive programme of events and activities at heritage sites across Ireland:

Errigal handweaver Siobhán Ní Ghallchóir will be on site in Donegal Castle on August 17 giving visitors an opportunity to learn about basic weaving and yarn processing. The workshop includes an introduction to the history of weaving in Donegal, the benefits of using wool, and weaving a small coaster on a small frame loom. Everyone takes home their work.

Discover the world of the Vikings at the historic grounds of Kells Priory. Little diggers will carefully excavate the remains of a Viking house, unearth authentic replica artefacts over 1,000 years old, and learn about Viking life and culture directly from real archaeologists.

A traditional willow basket- making workshop will take place on Scattery Island, Co Clare, using locally grown willow, given by craftsperson Deirdre Hetherington, Doonbeg, in the island's recently renovated cottages.

Ferns Castle, Co Wexford will host a craft fair on August 15. This event shines a spotlight on Ireland’s traditional crafts — living skills and knowledge that are precious yet vulnerable, and worth protecting for future generations.

An Antiquities Roadshow at Reginald’s Tower invites visitors to hear archaeologist Thomas Desmond share stories from over 35 years of excavations and bring along objects for expert identification. Reginald’s Tower will also play host to a talk on the History of the Limerick to Tralee Railway Line. The site will also offer a special guided tour in German, revealing the rich Viking and medieval history of Waterford’s iconic landmark.

Heritage Talks on Dunmore Cave will give visitors the opportunity to discover the fascinating history, geology and Viking connections of one of Ireland’s most significant cave systems.

There will be medieval longbow demonstrations at Athenry Castle which will bring medieval warfare to life through live demonstrations, talks and hands-on archery activities.

A storytelling tour of the River Shannon at Portumna Castle will see storyteller Conni Dawson bring the myths and legends of Ireland’s great river to life through story, song and harp music.

Ennis Friary will host a guided tour exploring the centuries-long history of one of Ennis’s most important historic sites, from Franciscan friary to parish church.

For more information on Ireland's National Heritage Week 2026, visit HeritageWeek.ie.