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The Office of Public Works (OPW) has today announced free admission to more than 50 heritage sites on Saturday 15 August, to mark the opening weekend 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.

Speaking at the OPW launch of National Heritage Week, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, said: “National Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to connect with Ireland’s rich cultural and built heritage. 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, 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 will once again present an extensive programme of events and activities at heritage sites nationwide:

Errigal Handweaver, Siobhán Ní Ghallchóir will be on site inDonegal Castleon 17th August giving visitors an opportunity to learn about basic weaving and yarn processing. The workshop includes introduction to the history of weaving in Donegal, 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 ofKells 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 onScattery Island,Co Clare, using locally grown willow, given by craftsperson Deirdre Hetherington, Doonbeg in the island's recently renovated cottages.

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

An Antiquities Roadshow atReginald’s Towerinvites 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 onDunmore Cavewill 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 atAthenry Castlewhich will bring medieval warfare to life through live demonstrations, talks and hands-on archery activities.

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

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

Visithttps://heritageireland.ie/heritage-week-2026/for a full list of 2026 events at OPW heritage sites.

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request.

Please [email protected] more information and to arrange an interview.

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