National Heritage Week kicks off in Waterford this weekend

Tours of Cappoquin House and Gardens, discovering marine life in the beaches and dunes of Tramore, Viking cruises along Waterford’s quays and a virtual reality immersive experience at Lismore Castle are among the many free events taking place across Waterford during National Heritage Week 2024, from Saturday August 17 to Sunday August 25.

Local heritage groups and organisers, families, communities and individuals in Waterford have responded to this year’s theme of ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’ by organising events showcasing the best of what Waterford’s local heritage has to offer.

Well over 2,000 events will take place nationwide with a full list available on the National Heritage Week website.

Coordinated by the Heritage Council, some other highlights from this year’s National Heritage Week programme in Waterford also include:

Cheekpoint - A community of the tides, at the Reading Room in Cheekpoint (August 25, 1pm to 5pm)

This event focuses on the unique relationship between the Cheekpoint community and the tidal rivers and river communities along its banks.

It includes a guided walk with a local fisherman with tea and chat after in the local hall where a photographic exhibition will underline the walk theme.

Exploring the Great Parchment Book and the Art of Writing in Waterford at the Medieval Museum (19 August, 2pm to 3.30pm)

Join Rosemary Ryan, keeper of the Bishop's Palace, for a tour of the Medieval Museum and Christchurch Cathedral. Discover beautiful examples of medieval calligraphy and the history behind them before settling in to a workshop where the art of writing comes to life.

The Great Irish Silence: Irish Traditional Music of the United States Post Famine by Tigerlily Keoghan, at Ardkeen Library (August 20, 2.30pm to 3.30pm)

Tigerlily Keoghan, musicologist, singer and piper, will explore the traditional music of the Irish diaspora of the United States in the decades following the Great Famine.

Commenting, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said:

“Browsing through the over 2,000 events taking place during National Heritage Week this year gives a sense of the shear variety and colour of our nation’s heritage – they cover nature, culture, music, traditions, folklore, writing, history, architecture, archaeology, archives and so much more.

“It is also a sign of the strength of the sector, the depth of knowledge people have and their generosity in sharing that knowledge. Many of the events are volunteer led, organised by dedicated people who seek no recompense or adulation.

“We must never take these people for granted and I will continue unapologetically to mention them at every opportunity, such is their importance not only to National Heritage Week, but to the preservation of Irish heritage in general.”

Two themed days will take place during National Heritage Week. On Saturday August 24, Wild Child Day encourages children and families to explore the heritage in their locality.

On Sunday, August 25, the Heritage Council and the Local Authority Waters Programme invite people to explore National Heritage Week projects that celebrate water and our connections with it.