Heritage Week 2023 launches with host of unique events in Kilkenny

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan has launched National Heritage Week 2023, which takes place nationwide from August 12-20.

A colourful range of events and projects celebrating all aspects of heritage will take place across the country as communities, families, holiday makers and people of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to get out and explore their heritage.

Over 1,000 free events and projects have already been registered with that figure expected to reach close to 2,000 before the festivities kick off.

Galleries, gardens, historic houses, barnyards and studios will play host to events covering everything from architecture
to archaeology, film to foraging, philosophy to genealogy and music to storytelling. Walks, talks and workshops will satisfy the heritage curious among us who can search for events taking place in their area either by county or by topic from here.

The theme for National Heritage Week this year 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.

As such, many events and projects will focus on the keeping alive of these crafts and skills, and this year’s launch took place at the workshop of Tom McDonnell and James Collins, two of the last remaining men practicing the dying trade of Traveller
tinsmithing.

Some event highlights this year include; Discover Blacksmithing in Limerick where attendees can immerse themselves in a free four-day course and learn the skills of blacksmithing; ‘Genealogy One To One’ in Kilkenny where people can book a private session with a genealogy expert to help unravel their family history.

See heritageweek.ie for more.