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Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Over 125 events planned across Meath for 20th annual national heritage week
From archaeology digs to nature walks, exhibitions, and family activities, the week will celebrate the county's rich natural, built, and cultural heritage. Visitors can try their hand at archaeology at the Black Friary Community Dig in Trim, learn about Ireland's bogs and pollinators in local libraries, explore the heritage of Duleek, and hear talks on barn owls and butterflies in Meath. Guided tours will showcase the architecture of Navan, Dunboyne, Kells, Oldcastle, and Athboy, while railway enthusiasts can visit an exhibition marking 175 Years of Navan Railway. Nature lovers can experience the Bog Bothy at Girley Bog, and on Wild Child Day (Saturday, August 23), young visitors can dig for treasure at the Hill of Tara with the Office of Public Works. Water Heritage Day will also be marked with an event by Ratoath Tidy Towns, focusing on the health of local rivers. This year's Heritage Week theme, 'Exploring Our Foundations', invites participants to reflect on the legacies of the past and the roots of their communities, cultures, and identities. The events well run from Saturday, August 16 to Sunday, August 24. Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Wayne Harding said: 'Heritage Week is a fantastic celebration of our wonderful natural and cultural heritage and offers everyone the opportunity to get out, explore and enjoy their local area. I'm delighted to see such an exciting and diverse range of events and activities planned.' Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: "National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland's largest cultural events, celebrating Ireland's built, natural and cultural heritage and aiming to generate awareness, appreciation and preservation of our wonderful heritage resource.' He also thanked the organisers, saying: 'Without their hard work, dedication and voluntary commitment, Heritage Week would not be possible.' Most events are free to attend, with many suitable for children. Full event listings for Meath are available on the National Heritage Week website.
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Sligo to host 60 events during National Heritage Week 2025
The initiative begins on Saturday, 16th August and will run until Sunday, August 24 and most are free. A colourful range of events and projects celebrating all aspects of the county's built, natural and cultural herita ge will take place across the county. Launching National Heritage Week in Sligo, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Chair of County Sligo Heritage Forum, Cllr. Donal Gilroy outlined: 'This year's theme is 'Exploring Our Foundations', and everyone is encouraged to explore our heritage and to examine the foundations upon which our communities, cultures and landscapes are built. 'There's an impressive programme of events taking place across the county organised by heritage organisations, community groups and individuals – many on a voluntary basis. 'It's their commitment, dedication and effort that makes Heritage Week in County Sligo such a great success.' Heritage Week is coordinated nationally by The Heritage Council in partnership with the Local Authority Heritage Teams and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland's largest cultural events, celebrating Ireland's built, natural and cultural heritage and aiming to generate awareness, appreciation and preservation of our wonderful heritage resource.' The theme for National Heritage Week this year is 'Exploring Our Foundations', which invites everyone to delve into the building blocks of the country's heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped people. Heritage Week invites everyone to explore the links between people and communities, to look at what brings everyone together and what connects everyone. There are also themed days as part of the week. Wild Child Day takes place on Saturday, August 23 and encourages children and families to make the most of the outdoors to enjoy and explore the heritage and biodiversity in their locality. Water Heritage Day takes place on Sunday, August 24 and celebrates Ireland's water, the connections with it and how history and heritage has been shaped by the sea, rivers, lakes and wetlands. Siobhán Ryan, A/Senior Heritage Officer with Sligo County Council added: 'We are encouraging everyone to get involved and to support the efforts of the many individuals and groups who have organised events for National Heritage Week in Sligo. 'Heritage Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate and share the best of the built, natural and cultural heritage of our county, whether it is attending a talk, going for a guided walk or visiting a local heritage site. 'This is just the beginning though. As most of the heritage sites celebrated during Heritage Week are open all year-round. 'The museums of the county, many built heritage sites and wildlife areas are all there to be explored at any time.' Updates and details of Heritage Week events taking place in Sligo and nationally are available on While regular Heritage Week updates for Sligo will be posted on the Sligo Heritage Office Facebook page.
