National Heritage Week will focus on risks to buildings, culture, nature

At risk: old ways, old places, old stories.

Heritage At Risk is the theme of the 2026 National Heritage Week that will run from 15 to 23 August, writes Brian Byrne. Participants are asked to consider the threats to heritage in terms of buildings, culture, and nature. 

The theme invites communities to reflect on how they can respond with care, creativity, and collective responsibility.

In 2025, there were over 2,500 heritage events across Ireland, a record year. 

According to the Heritage Council, over a quarter of all recorded heritage sites will be exposed to one or more climate hazards by 2100. Traditional buildings, often constructed with breathable materials and local techniques, need traditional craftspeople to maintain and restore them, skills that are becoming less common. National Heritage Week in 2026 will celebrate craftspeople like thatchers, stone masons, and blacksmiths through workshops, demonstrations, and events.

Cultural heritage includes traditions, languages, music, crafts, rituals, stories, and everyday practices passed down through generations. Much of this is at risk due to social change, migration, loss of intergenerational communication, and declining use of regional and minority languages. The week will highlight the importance of intergenerational knowledge, skills such as oral storytelling, and cultural expression in times of crisis. Traditional crafts, games, music, and arts can also be explored.

Natural heritage in our landscapes, habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity is at risk from climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and land use. For 2026, event organisers and the public are encouraged to explore endangered habitats, landscapes, flora, and fauna with initiatives such as guided walks, animal surveys, habitat exploration, and workshops.

In addition to physical activities, digital initiatives like virtual tours, heritage mapping, and community archiving offer new ways to document and share endangered heritage, while hands-on family events, trails, and creative workshops engage younger audiences.

More information at this link. 

VISIT: Old Kilcullen Heritage

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