Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan (centre) with (left to right): Ronan Healy, Heritage Week Programme Manager, Martina Moloney, Chairperson Heritage Council Ireland, volunteer Freddie Snowe, Jack Ross (4) and Eibhlin Ross (6), Virigina Teehan, Heritage Council CEO and volunteer Billy Dunne at the National Print Museum, encouraging communities to register their events for National Heritage Week 2026. Photo: Fran Veale.

Communities in Mayo invited to take part in National Heritage Week

Published:

Event registration for National Heritage Week 2026 is now open, with community organisations, volunteers and heritage groups across Mayo invited to contribute to the festival programme running from August 15 to August 23.

Mayo County Council is encouraging local communities, heritage groups and volunteers to get involved and help showcase the county’s rich heritage. Details on how to get involved are available here.

Now in its 26th year, National Heritage Week is Ireland’s largest celebration of built, cultural, and natural heritage, with over 2,500 events taking place annually, attended by almost half a million people. This week-long festival is an all-island initiative, with the majority of events free to attend.

This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk’, invites individuals and communities to consider the elements of our heritage that are vulnerable or under threat – from historic buildings and archaeological sites to natural habitats, traditional skills, folklore, language and ways of life. Through guided walks, hands-on workshops, talks, performances and heritage trails, events will highlight not only the richness of local heritage, but the importance of protecting and sustaining it for future generations.

Mayo County Council Heritage Officer Deirdre Cunningham said: “National Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity for communities in Mayo to celebrate the heritage that shapes our county, while also thinking about what is most vulnerable and how best to protect it. From coastal landscapes and historic sites to traditions, stories and local knowledge, Mayo has a wealth of heritage worth sharing. We hosted 90 events in 2025, an increase of 15 per-cent on the previous year which highlights the growing interest. I would encourage community groups, schools, volunteers and heritage organisations to register an event and help bring that heritage to life.”

Last year, Mayo included events such as The Archaeology and History of Slievemore and the Deserted Village, and Ogham Stones of County Mayo – Exhibition and Booklet Launch.

Organisers in Mayo are encouraged to register their events for National Heritage Week 2026 here, where resources will be available to support event planning, accessibility, and promotion.

Published: