Over 100 Events Taking Place Across Kildare For Heritage Week

Walks, workshops, exhibitions and family activities are planned across the county from August 15th to 23rd.

More than 100 events will take place across County Kildare as National Heritage Week gets underway this weekend.

Running from Saturday, August 15th to Sunday, August 23rd, this year's programme includes guided walks, exhibitions, workshops, talks, open days and activities for children and families.

The theme for 2026 is "Heritage at Risk", with a particular focus on the buildings, traditions, crafts, stories and natural heritage which could be at risk of being lost.

Events are being held in communities throughout Kildare, with most free to attend.

What's happening in Kildare?

Among the events taking place is an Open Day at the Castletown Gate Lodges in Celbridge on Sunday, August 16th.

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre will host a Dragonfly and Damselfly Walk on Monday, August 17th, while the story of the Clongorey Evictions will be explored at Clongorey Community Centre on Tuesday, August 18th.

A Kildare Local Placenames Workshop takes place at Teach Diarmada in Castledermot on Wednesday, August 19th.

For younger participants, Athy Library is holding an Ogham Clay Pendant Workshop for children on Thursday, August 20th.

A number of attractions and activities will also be available throughout Heritage Week.

Visitors can learn about The Curragh Military Story at the Curragh Military Museum, while the Tower of Allen on the Hill of Allen also features in the programme.

A free audio guide telling The Story of the Curragh will be available throughout the week.

'Heritage at Risk'

This year's theme aims to highlight how historic buildings, local traditions and skills can be vulnerable to disappearing without efforts to protect them.

Kildare County Council Heritage Officer Dara Wyer said Heritage Week also provides an opportunity to recognise the hundreds of volunteers across the county who work to preserve and promote local heritage throughout the year.

Leas-Chathaoirleach of Kildare Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer said the week allows local groups and organisations to showcase that work and encouraged people to explore the county's heritage.

Most events are free, although advance booking is recommended for some activities.

People attending outdoor events are also advised that some may be weather dependent or take place on uneven ground.

Full details, times and booking information for events across the county are available through Kildare County Council's Heritage Week programme and the National Heritage Week website.

Event guides are also available from libraries, council offices and selected bookshops.