Kildare to host 80 events for Heritage Week

HERITAGE Week is back in Kildare for its 20th year, and begins next Saturday (16 August), until the following Sunday (24 August).

Kildare County Council announced this week (7 August) the list of events confirmed for National Heritage Week 2025 whose theme this year is ‘Exploring Our Foundations’.

This year’s programme offers something for everyone, with over 80 events taking place across County Kildare during the week.

A number of craft display and training events have been planned which aim to reflect the definition of ‘Heritage’ as the "practices, knowledge and skills that have been passed from one generation to the next and are still in use today”.

Heritage features of national significance, such as the canal network (consisting of the Grand and Royal canals and the Barrow Navigation) are also incorporated in the programme.

Other events showcase conservation works done to maintain historically important buildings into the future.

Some highlights include:

• Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen – Weeklong event

• Peatlands Immersive Experience, Monasterevin – Weeklong event 

• The Curragh Military Story, Curragh Military Museum – Weeklong event 

• Moth Morning, Maynooth – Saturday, 16 August 

• Tour of Ballitore Quaker Burial Ground – Saturday, 16 August 

• Guided Walk of Ballynafagh Lake – Tuesday, 19 August • Making Connections Through Trad Music and Dance, Clane – Tuesday, 19 August

• Heritage at Play, Leixlip Library – Wednesday, 20 August • History of the Irish National Stud, Kildare Town – Wednesday, 20 August 

• Ceardlann Tógála Bád, Naas Harbour – Wednesday, 20 August

• Seal le Ré Ó Laighléis, Kildare Town Community Library – Thursday, 21 August Cathaoirleach of Kildare Co Council, Cllr Carmel Kelly welcomed the event, saying: “Heritage Week provides a fantastic opportunity for local groups and organisations to showcase their own local heritage, of which they are justifiably proud”.

“The tremendous efforts, often on a voluntary basis, of these enthusiastic and committed people demonstrate that the protection of heritage is a shared responsibility which is taken very seriously by the people of County Kildare”.

“Heritage Week presents an opportunity for us all to take part in some of the nearly 80 events or initiatives organised by community groups to present and explain local heritage and to discover the wealth of fascinating heritage within the county,” said Dara Wyer, Heritage Officer, Kildare County Council.

“National Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on not only our heritage but the work of hundreds of Kildare volunteers who give of their time and knowledge to preserve and promote it”.

Most events are free, however advance booking is advised. Some events may be weather dependent and take place on uneven ground so suitable dress and footwear is recommended. For full details and booking visit the KCC website or heritageweek.ie This initiative is coordinated by the Heritage Council and Local Authority Heritage Officers and supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with the aim of fostering a greater understanding and awareness of our own local heritage.