Programme Announced For National Heritage Week In Wicklow

Local heritage groups and organisers, families, communities and individuals in Wicklow have responded to this year’s theme of ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’ by organising events showcasing the best of what local heritage has to offer.

A night time bat walk at Knocksink Wood, organ music and wood carvings at Christ Church in Bray, an exploration of the Kennedys of Mount Kennedy and tales from Wicklow’s Historic Jail are among the many free events taking place across Wicklow during National Heritage Week 2024, from Saturday August 17th to Sunday August 25th.

 Well over 2,000 events will take place nationwide with a full list available on the National Heritage Week website.

 Coordinated by the Heritage Council, some other highlights from this year’s National Heritage Week programme in Wicklow also include:

Irish Trees & Ogham Art with Liz Tiernan, Dunlavin Library (21 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm) - Explore the rich heritage of Ireland's native trees and delve into the ancient practice of Ogham script. Liz will guide people through the cultural significance and history of these natural treasures, offering insights into their role in Irish art and folklore.

Out There Somewhere - The Graves of The National Army 1922-24, Greystones Library (20 August, 7.30pm to 8.30pm) - Join Kieran Gillen of The National Collins 22 Society on the ongoing research in locating the final resting places of some of the estimated 800 fatalities of the Irish National Army.

Dry Stone Walls. Our Perceptions. Their Ecology – Annamoe Community Centre (20 August, 7pm to 8.30pm) – This event inspires a deeper appreciation for dry stone walling as both a cultural tradition and a sustainable land management practice in the Wicklow Uplands.

Two themed days will take place during National Heritage Week.

On Saturday 24th of August, Wild Child Day encourages children and families to explore the heritage in their locality.

On Sunday, 25th of August, the Heritage Council and the Local Authority Waters Programme invite people to explore National Heritage Week projects that celebrate water and our connections with it.