Limerick communities encouraged to organise events for Ireland's largest heritage festival

THE 2025 National Heritage Week website is now live, and organisers in Limerick and across Ireland are invited to begin submitting events for this year’s celebration.

Now in its 25th year, National Heritage Week is Ireland’s largest heritage festival, with over 2,000 events taking place annually, attended by almost 400,000 people. 

Since The Heritage Council assumed responsibility for running Heritage Week in 2006, the annual event has continued to grow year on year. Last year, National Heritage Week saw a record-breaking 2,385 events registered across the country — a 25% increase from 2023.

National Heritage Week is an all-island event, and most events are free to attend.  

This year’s theme, for the celebration which runs from August 16 to 24, is Exploring Our Foundations, inviting individuals and communities to reflect on the elements that underpin our shared heritage — not only historic buildings or structures, but also the natural landscapes, stories, customs and cultural practices that shape our collective identity and sense of place. 

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Last year, Limerick hosted 33 events for National Heritage Week. From guided walks and hands-on workshops to musical performances and heritage trails, communities across the county showcased a rich tapestry of local heritage. 

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said, “What really makes National Heritage Week so special is the incredible energy and pride that local volunteers, community groups, and heritage champions bring to it every single year. These efforts are the heartbeat of the whole experience, and it's their stories, knowledge, and commitment that make National Heritage Week something truly memorable and meaningful for communities right across the country.”  

Heritage Council Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Teehan said, “Heritage Week is a time to celebrate not only our past and those that came before, but the vibrant cultural expressions and natural environments that continue to shape our lives today. Our heritage — tangible, intangible, and natural — gives us a shared language of memory, tradition, and place. From historic buildings to folklore, from woodlands and hedgerows to music and craft, it allows us to connect deeply with each other and with where we come from. By encouraging communities to preserve, explore and reinterpret these foundations, we’re also fostering pride, creativity and economic vitality at a local level.” 

Limerick County Council Heritage Officer, Tom O’Neil, added, “Limerick’s heritage is shaped by its fascinating history, local customs, and varied landscapes—from the vibrant heart of the city to the wide expanse of the estuary to beauty of the surrounding countryside. Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity for local communities to celebrate and preserve the stories, places, and traditions that make Limerick truly special.” 

With a focus on the foundations of heritage and the communities that keep it alive, Heritage Week 2025 promises to be an inspiring and inclusive celebration across Limerick and beyond.