The Heritage Council has launched the 2026 Community Heritage Grant Scheme and is inviting applications from community organisations throughout Co. Clare.
Grants of between €800 to €25,000 are available under the Scheme, which supports local initiatives that protect, share, and celebrate the built, natural and cultural heritage that matters to communities nationwide.
The scheme supports not for profit groups – including non-governmental organisations, and community and voluntary groups – to deliver projects that make heritage more inclusive, promote good practice, and strengthen sustainability.
The annual Scheme supports a wide variety of heritage projects, from practical conservation work to skills development and public engagement. Eligible projects include conservation management plans, surveys, and reports; conservation works to biodiversity sites, historic structures, objects, or collections; and hands on heritage skills workshops.
The Scheme also supports collections care and biodiversity projects, the creation of digital heritage resources, and the purchase of specialised conservation equipment.
The variety of applicants that successfully secured funding in 2025 in Clare demonstrates the positive impact the scheme has across the heritage field. These included, the International Basking Shark Conference from Irish Basking Shark Group, the Cataloguing and Publication of the Irish Air Corps Collection from the Irish Aviation Foundation clg, Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment and Feasibility study of Brookville House from Broadford Development Association CLG, Miltown Malbay QR Code Heritage Trail – A Vision for Sustainable Digital Heritage from Miltown Malbay Community Enhancement Group, and the Church of Ireland Parish Conserving Kilfenora Cathedral Graveyard Together, phase two: mapping, documenting, analysing and assessing, including biodiversity study from the Drumcliffe Union with Kilnasoolagh.
Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive Officer of the Heritage Council, said: “The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is one of the most important ways we support local stewardship of Ireland’s heritage. Each year, we see community groups bring extraordinary creativity in developing ways to care and promote the places, stories, and natural environments that matter to them. This scheme empowers people to take meaningful action, whether that be restoring a historic structure, conserving biodiversity, or creating new ways for the public to connect with their local heritage. We are continually inspired by the ambition of these projects, and we look forward to supporting communities across the country once again in 2026.”
Congella Maguire, Heritage Officer Clare County Council, said: “County Clare’s heritage is shaped by its coastline, distinctive limestone landscapes, rich archaeological sites, and world-renowned musical traditions. This Scheme builds on the tremendous work already taking place in towns and rural communities across the county, helping to turn local dedication into meaningful, long-term impact. It offers groups the practical support needed to conserve historic buildings and monuments, safeguard archives and collections, record folklore and oral histories, and develop creative ways to share Clare’s unique story with wider audiences. I strongly encourage organisations and volunteers throughout County Clare to bring forward their projects that celebrate the character, resilience, and cultural richness that define the county.”
Applications are now open.
Applications must be submitted via the Heritage Council’s online grants management system by 8pm on 20 March 2026. Successful projects must be completed by 13 November 2026.
A Webinar on the application process is available on the Heritage Council’s website. For further details, click here.