Communities, heritage groups, schools, volunteers and organisations across County Clare are being encouraged to register their events and projects for Heritage Week 2026, which takes place from 15–23 August.
This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk’, shines a spotlight on the natural, built and cultural heritage that requires care, protection and active participation to ensure it survives for future generations.
Heritage Week is the largest celebration of heritage on the island of Ireland and is built on the dedication and enthusiasm of local communities. From small village gatherings to larger festivals, the week showcases the stories, skills, places and traditions that make County Clare unique.
Throughout the nine-day programme, towns and villages across the county will open the doors to local heritage sites, share traditional skills and invite visitors to discover places and stories they may never have encountered before. Events ranging from guided walks and biodiversity explorations to traditional craft demonstrations and local history projects help keep heritage alive, relevant and accessible while bringing communities together.
Almost all Heritage Week events are free of charge and organised by local groups, heritage societies, Tidy Towns committees, schools and volunteers. Whether it is a blacksmith at the forge, a thatcher restoring a roof, a seashore exploration, a wildlife event or a guided tour of an ancient monument, Heritage Week offers opportunities for people of all ages to connect with their local heritage.
A particular highlight of this year’s programme is the family-friendly Wild Child Day on Saturday, 22 August, which will feature a range of outdoor activities designed to inspire children and young people to engage with nature, history and heritage during the summer holidays.
Heritage Officer, Clare County Council, Congella McGuire, said, “Heritage Week is one of the most important opportunities in the year for communities to celebrate and share the heritage that matters to them. This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk’, reminds us that our natural, built and cultural heritage cannot be taken for granted. It depends on the passion and commitment of local people who dedicate their time to preserving traditions, protecting historic places and passing knowledge on to future generations. We are encouraging community groups, organisations and individuals across Clare to register events and projects and to become part of this countywide celebration of heritage.”
Event organisers are invited to register their events or digital projects now through the Heritage Week website at heritageweek.ie.
While registrations will remain open until 10 August, organisers are strongly encouraged to submit their events by Monday, 20 July to ensure inclusion in the local Clare Heritage Week event guide and to maximise promotional opportunities. Early registration also helps ensure events feature in newspaper listings, social media campaigns, newsletters and other publicity channels.
A full programme of Heritage Week events will be available at heritageweek.ie in the lead-up to the festival.