Explore our living heritage in County Kildare for Heritage Week 2023

Heritage Week 2023 which takes place nationwide from Saturday, August 12 to 20, will showcase the joy, diversity and accessibility that can be found within Kildare’s rich heritage.

As a nation of storytellers, all of our heritage is linked to stories of people, places, moments and things.

Heritage Week 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.

According to Bridget Loughlin, Heritage Officer with Kildare County Council: "Heritage Week presents an opportunity to take part in one of the numerous walks organised by community groups to present and explain local heritage and to discover the wealth of fascinating heritage within the county.

"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 their time to preserve and promote it."

Most events are free; however, participants are advised to confirm in advance as some events require booking.

Children are welcome to most events; however, young children should be accompanied by an adult.

Some events may be weather dependent and take place on uneven ground so suitable dress and footwear is advised. 

Alan Dunney, Director of Service with Kildare County Council, also said: "I am amazed at the number and variety of events happening during Heritage week this year.

"We have a hundred events taking place, many of which are organised by history, heritage, and tidy towns groups to showcase their local heritage.

"I really must commend community and heritage groups for their enthusiasm and energy during heritage week each year."

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THEME FOR 2023

The theme for this year’s heritage week is 'Living Heritage' which is defined as the 'practices, knowledge and skills that have been passed from one generation to the next and are still in use today.'

Events and projects might involve the exploration of the traditions of hurling, camogie or Gaelic/Ladies football; a deep dive into the beauty of traditional Irish music, dancing or singing; the preservation of our crafts and skills such as Traveller tinsmithing, lace making and basket weaving; and the showcasing of our built heritage traditions such as thatching, lime plastering and dry-stone walling.

Heritage Week is part of a European wide initiative with the express aim of fostering awareness of Ireland’s built, natural, and cultural heritage, thereby encouraging its conservation and preservation and increasing interest in our shared heritage.

Kildare County Council has compiled a listing of these and the many other events happening around the County.

This listing of events which is available from https://kildarecoco.ie/AllServices/Heritage/CommunityHeritage-GetInvolvedinHeritage/HeritageWeek/.

Further details can be found at https://www.heritageweek.ie/.