A countywide programme of events for the 20th instalment of National Heritage Week has been announced by Clare County Council.
National Heritage week is an initiative by The Heritage Council which aims to bring together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts, to build awareness about the value of heritage and support its conservation. The initiative which began in 2005 is supported by Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is part of European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union.
The programme of events curated locally by Clare County Council and The Heritage Council all relate to this year’s theme, ‘Exploring Our Foundations’ and celebrate the county’s rich cultural, built and natural heritage. This theme invites the public to reflect on the legacies of our past and examine the foundations upon which our communities, cultures, and identities are built
Events will be held throughout the county, including in Quin, Labasheeda, Fountain, Bunratty, Kilrush, Scattery Island, Loop Head, Kilkee, Ennistymon, Kilfenora and Miltown Malbay. Activities include community gatherings, open days, film screenings, folklore and music sessions, workshops, exhibitions, traditional skills demonstrations, guided trails, walks and biodiversity events.
The Clare Cillíní Survey will be launched at Clare Museum, while Ennis and Ennistymon will host the Wonder Wander built heritage trail. Visitors can also learn about community archaeology, explore Ennis Friary, and discover the traditional mud houses of Shannon and Querrin. Biodiversity events include seaweed foraging, whale and dolphin watching, butterfly identification, bat walks, heritage seeds and a Hen Harrier talk.
Clare’s leading living history experiences that celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built, and natural heritage; Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park will host a joint programme of events. Craggaunowen will feature storytelling, traditional crafts, book binding and leatherwork demonstrations, culminating in a Food, Fire & Folklore event on Sunday, August 24. Chef Mark Irwin will prepare dishes using ancient cooking methods, including: a whole pig on a spit, served up in delicious pork baps; nettle dumplings; buttered corn; and summer fruit desserts. The Fulacht Fia will be lit, offering a rare demonstration of prehistoric cooking techniques.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park will host the Irish Native Rare Breeds Event on Sunday, August 17, with rare livestock displays, craft demonstrations and food tastings. Visitors will meet breed society representatives and attend lectures and discussions on conservation, genetics and heritage farming. Daily demonstrations of stone masonry and traditional thatching will also take place.
Cllr Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said, “Heritage Week serves as a reminder to the people of Clare of the wonderful heritage and history that surrounds them, while it also introduces younger people to the wealth of local events, attractions and activities that both educate and entertain.”
“A lot of work has gone into putting together a comprehensive programme of events for Heritage Week, which is testament to the work being carried out by communities and individuals throughout the county in promoting Clare’s rich heritage,” Cllr Murphy added. “Clare County Council and the organisers of the various events should be commended for the central role they play in conserving and protecting our heritage for future generations.”
Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer, Clare County Council, said, “Heritage Week celebrates all things heritage in County Clare. It brings together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts, to build awareness about the value of heritage and support its conservation.”
New events are being added daily to the Clare Heritage Week programme. For more information and to register events, visit www.heritageweek.ie. A full list of Clare events is available at https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings
For more information on the National Heritage Week events taking place at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and Craggaunowen, please visit: https://www.bunrattycastle.ie/events/heritage-week/ and: https://www.craggaunowen.ie/events/heritageweek2025/
