NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR HERITAGE WEEK AWARDS

Nominations are now open for the 2026 National Heritage Week Awards, with a deadline of 15 September 2026, writes Brian Byrne. Communities, organisations, and individuals can submit nominations for the most engaging projects and events during National Heritage Week. 

A County Award will be presented for the best event or project in Co Kildare, based on heritage awareness, promotion, and community involvement. Last year, Castledermot Local History Group won for their event Discover Castledermot’s Medieval Foundations.

National categories include the Heritage At Risk Award, Wild Child Event Award, Water Heritage Day Award, Inclusive Heritage Award, Irish Language Award, Sustainability and Climate Award, and the Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh Award for Intangible Cultural Heritage. A Heritage Hero Award is based on public nominations, to honour long-term contributions to heritage protection and promotion.

Dara Wyer, Kildare Heritage Officer, highlights the importance of recognising local efforts, saying National Heritage Week is only possible because of the enthusiasm and dedication of local communities. 

The awards ceremony will be held on 29 October 2026 in the RDS, Dublin. Nominations can be made at https://www.heritageweek.ie/awards.  

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