This National Heritage Week we’re celebrating the building blocks of our heritage; not just the buildings and monuments, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us into who we are today.
16th-24th August
Subject to change. Please keep an eye on this page for any updates.
Events taking place across multiple days:
16-24th August– Kells Priory, one of Ireland’s largest medieval monuments – Learn More
16-24th August – Ballysallagh House Opening in Association with Historic Houses of Ireland – Learn More
18 – 24 August – ‘Hedgerow & Wayside | Native Plants of County Kilkenny – Learn More
20th-22nd August – LEGO Heritage Hunt in the Medieval Mile Museum – Learn More
20 – 22 August – Tombstone Tour of St Marys Church – Learn More
20th & 21st August (10am-12pm & 2-4pm) – Medieval Tile Workshop – Learn More
20 – 22 August – Stories at the Medieval Mile Museum – Learn More
21st-24th August – Kilkenny City Hidden Gems & Highlights Free Walking Tour – Learn More.
20-22nd August – Tombstone Tour of St Marys Church Kilkenny – Learn More
22nd-24th August – Graiguenamanagh Town of Books Festival – Learn More
16th August
Woodturner, Liam O’ Neill in the Garden of Butler House
3:30pm – 4:15pm
In celebration of Heritage Week, Kilkenny Civic Trust is delighted to have woodturner, Liam O’Neill in the Garden of Butler House, for a walking tour of his turned wood sculptural pieces, created over a career spanning thirty years.
Liam will talk about – the living heritage of Woodturning and Kilkenny Design Workshops – his experience as an apprentice in Kilkenny Design Workshops in its early years and how it shaped his life as a woodturner.
Underage Hurling and Camogie
10:30am – 12pm
Come and see the stars of the future as Tullahought Sports Field hosts Underage Hurling and Camogie games featuring local clubs on Saturday 16th August at 10.30am.
Living in History – A Glimpse Inside The Restoration of an Arts and Crafts Home
11 – 11:30am
Step inside one of Talbotsinch Village’s original homes for a rare opportunity to experience Arts and Crafts architecture up close. Built as part of Lady Desart’s visionary model village in the early 20th century, this private residence is currently undergoing sensitive restoration to preserve and highlight its original features, including handcrafted woodwork, traditional clay tiles, and period layout.
Tour of Jerpoint Abbey
10am-4pm
Enjoy free admission to this wonderful heritage site; though to be the best preserved medieval Cistercian monastery in Ireland.
Lúnasa Gathering
1-8pm
As part of Heritage Week 2025, Keep Her Lit welcomes you to a series of events that celebrate our natural and cultural heritage, taking place in the picturesque Inistioge village.
A Celebration of Traditional Building Skills
11am-4pm
Join us for a celebration of Ireland’s traditional building skills as we kick off National Heritage Week 2025.
Traditional skills demonstrations
See master craftspeople in action, including lime plastering, stone cutting, blacksmithing, thatching, and glassmaking.
Guided tours throughout the day
Explore the history of our historic headquarters, the former Bishop’s Palace, a remarkable building that has stood witness to centuries of change in Kilkenny.
Family-friendly fun
Engaging activities for children will be available all day, making this a great outing for visitors of all ages.
17th August
Kilkenny Newspaper Reports 1775
9:30-10am
The year of 1775 in County Kilkenny, as captured in newspaper reports, mirrors the picture in the country as a whole. In his book, A Tour in Ireland in 1775, Richard Twiss described Kilkenny City as ‘a pleasant little town with a river running through it, over which are two bridges; one consisting of seven arches, and the other… of three. Here is an old castle, and near the cathedral a very high round tower’.
Water powered Corn Mill and Drying Kiln tour
1pm – 4pm
Tour and description of operations of a Water powered grain mill and drying kiln and history including transaction ledgers dating to 1800’s. The water wheel was replaced in 2023 and the original internal machinery has been made operational. The event will also contain a Vintage Machinery display.
18th August
A Priory in Pieces – Reconstructing Inistioge Priory Cloister
7:30pm – 9pm
Inistioge Priory was dissolved in 1540, and even though traces remain, it is hard to imagine what it looked like until then. Looking at fragments scattered in the graveyard and elsewhere in the village (and possible further afield), this talk will attempt a digital and 3D printed reconstruction of the cloister and try to answer some of the questions like: What lies hidden in plain sight? Who was responsible for its architecture? How does Inistioge Priory relate to other priories and abbeys of the area? What makes Inistioge Priory’s cloister unique? What’s up with the mermaid?
A small fee of €2 is required to cover room rent and traveling costs. Cash only.
19th August
James Stephens 1825- 1901: Life and Legacy – A Talk
11-12pm
James Stephens, Fenian and founding member of the IRB was born in 1825 near St. Mary’s Cathedral. He took part in the Young Ireland rising, and started the Irish People paper in 1863. His actions inspired leadership in the struggle for independence. This talk will be delivered by Local Historian, Larry Scallan. Attendees will learn about the life of James Stephens on the 200th anniversary of his birth.
Family Folklore Storytelling in Graiguenamanagh Library
11-12pm
Led by our local Irish Folklore Enthusiast, Eoin. Stories, traditions and myths of ancient, and not so ancient, Ireland.
From the Good Folk to Fionn MacCumhaill, St. Patrick to Selkies and beyond. No booking necessary just come along.
Some Jewels From The Charters and Civic Records of Kilkenny
6pm – 7:30pm
Kilkenny is very fortunate to possess a rich archive documenting the early history of the city. With the sole exception of Dublin, Kilkenny possesses the oldest continuous set of civic records in Ireland dating back as far as the thirteenth century. For centuries housed in the City Archive at the Tholsel, these records are now being digitised and made available to everyone on the Kilkenny Library Digital Archive.
Lady Louisa Tighe talk in Graiguenamanagh Library
6pm – 7:30pm
These talks by John Kirwan, historian, genealogist, author and consultant archivist will transport the audience and give an insight into the life of Lady Louisa who married William Frederick Fownes Tighe 200 years ago in 1825. Her legacy and will provide an enthralling backdrop for a historical narrative based on original research and primary sources. John has had many articles and essays published on Kilkenny history, places and families. He is currently working on a book about Lady Louisa.
Kilkenny Late Hay Project : Peening with Chris Hayes
11am – 1pm
Discover the ancient craft of peening—the traditional technique of maintaining a scythe blade by drawing out the metal with the strike of a hammer. This hands-on skills exchange, led by Chris Hayes, offers a unique opportunity to learn essential tool maintenance practices that have been passed down through generations.
James Stephens 1825- 1901 – Life and Legacy
11am – 12pm
Local Historian, Larry Scallan, a retired military officer with years of service and expertise will deliver two talks on the life and legacy of James Stephens. Attendees will learn about the life of James Stevens on the 200th anniversary of his birth; and the story of the James Stephens Military Barracks and its strategic importance.
Family Folklore Storytelling
Led by our local Irish Folklore Enthusiast, Eoin. Stories, traditions and myths of ancient, and not so ancient, Ireland.
From the Good Folk to Fionn MacCumhaill, St. Patrick to Selkies and beyond. No booking necessary just come along.
20th August
Meet the Craft-Workers!
10:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Meet some OPW craft workers who will chat about the tools of their trade and demonstrate some aspects of their carpentry and stone masonry skills. This chance to encounter members of the team who conserve and restore our built heritage is not to be missed!
1st Battalion Kilkenny Brigade 1916-1923
As part of Heritage Week 2025 Kilkenny Castle will host a talk by Commandant (Retired) Larry Scallan. The first recruitment meeting for the Irish Volunteers took place in Kilkenny City in March 1914. From that time until the start of the Irish Civil War the Kilkenny Brigade would develop to become a Brigade with nine Battalions. This talk will follow the story of the 1st Battalion, the Kilkenny City Battalion
Lady Louisa Tighe talk in Mayfair Library
11pm-12:30pm
These talks by John Kirwan, historian, genealogist, author and consultant archivist will transport the audience and give an insight into the life of Lady Louisa who married William Frederick Fownes Tighe 200 years ago in 1825. Her legacy and will provide an enthralling backdrop for a historical narrative based on original research and primary sources. John has had many articles and essays published on Kilkenny history, places and families. He is currently working on a book about Lady Louisa.
British and Irish Newspaper Archive Workshop
11am – 12pm
Newspapers are mirrors of the time they were published, and bring history to life. They provide primary sources of information about , people, places and events. Wonderful as the stories within the newspapers are, it is often the peripheral details that allow you to get under the skin of the times and understand the past. They add context to different worlds and times experienced by the people living in them and the people reporting on the events.
Medieval Ceramic Tile Making
10am-1pm
Join us for a Ceramic tile making workshop with artist Mary Conroy, using medieval techniques and motifs. The workshop looks back at a heritage of clay and ceramics in Kilkenny and Castlecomer.
Behind the Scenes at Butler Gallery
1-2:30pm
Join us at Butler Gallery for a ‘walk, talk and draw’ of some key works in the Butler Gallery Collection. Collections Registrar, Ann Chumbley will lead a Q&A on some of the behind the scenes processes (display, care & conservation) and Bryan Hogan, Learning and Public Engagement Curator, will guide participants through an engaging drawing workshop inspired by the Collection. These two experiences will highlight how the collection serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and the wider community, offering a deeper connection to the art on display.
Gathering at Old Threecastles Graveyard
7-8pm
The Threecastles Heritage Group warmly invites you to a special Heritage Week event at the historic Old Threecastles Graveyard. As this year’s Heritage Week theme is “Exploring Our Foundations”, we invite you to reflect on the lives and stories that shaped our community. After months of dedicated cleanup, we are proud to welcome the community back to this important local landmark. The evening will include a short talk on the history of the graveyard, followed by a blessing of the graves. Afterwards, join us for a cup of tea and a chance to chat with neighbours and friends.
Horrid History of Siege Warfare: An event for Children
11am – 2pm
Join James Doherty from Kilkenny Castle and learn all about Siege Warfare with a special event for children who want to learn about how castle sieges took place.
21st August
3D Scan & 3D Print Heritage Objects – Citizen Science Session
2pm – 4pm
This event is an introduction into the principles of 3D scanning with the free Kiri App and printing a 3D model from the scan. The session begins at the Maker Space in Mayfair Library. After an introduction, the participants will walk to a nearby heritage site to scan heritage objects, before returning to the Maker Space for printing.
Tullahought’s Bird Life, – Our Feathered Friends
8 – 9:30pm
Learn all about our native birds and those who visit Tullahought’s hinterland through a talk delivered by Ian McCullagh, Chairman of Birdwatch Kilkenny.
British and Irish Newspaper Archive Workshop
11am – 12pm
Join the staff of the Local Studies team for an engaging and hands-on workshop exploring the rich world of digital newspaper archives. Discover how to access and navigate historical newspapers online, uncover local stories, trace family histories, and bring the past to life through digital research tools.
Kilkenny Fossil Walk
10am – 11:30am
Ireland’s Fossil Heritage is hosting a public walk in Kilkenny on Thursday 21st from 10 am to 11.30 am. We will be visiting some of the best and most spectacular fossils visible in the building stones of the city’s walls and footpaths. Highlighting the fossil wonders in places that we walk by every day. We will share the secrets of the fossils, explaining how they formed, where they lived, and even how they died.
Seed Saving Walk
6-9pm
Join Wildflower expert, Monica Fleming, for an informative walk and demonstration of how to identify ripe seed and how to sustainably harvest and process viable seed. Book your place via text here.
Canoe Trip Through Heart of Kilkenny City – Nore Vision
11am – 12:30pm
Join Nore Vision and Riverbend Adventures for a Canoe Trip Through the Heart of Kilkenny City! This is also an opportunity to learn about the Nore Vision Citizen Science Learning Exchange. Paddle with us along the River Nore as we explore the rich built and natural heritage of Kilkenny. Discover hidden gems, historic landmarks, and the beauty of the river’s ecosystem—all from the unique vantage point of a canoe.
22nd August
Grave Rubbing Art at St. Canice’s Cathedral
2-4pm
Join us on Friday 22nd August, between 2pm and 4pm for a drop-in family friendly activity. Make rubbings from various surfaces around the Cathedral and graveyard and decode the symbols or decipher the text. This is a free family activity, suitable for all ages.
Childen’s nature walk and tea party in Jenkinstown Woods
2-3pm
Help Owly find the plants he needs for his tea party ! Participants will get to know some of the local flora and make their own tea out of foraged plants. The walk will be guided by Woodkids Forest School Leader who will show how to forage safely and respectfully towards nature. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Max 12 spaces available – booking essential.
Caint, Ceol Agus Seisúin
6-10pm
Caint, Ceoil agus seisúin is an evening to celebrate our language and the intangible heritage of speaking, music and singing together. Building on Fennelly’s popular monthly evening Caint we now invite everyone to come together to swap local songs and tunes and teach each other. There will be some invited experts to assist in the facilitation of song swapping and Sean nós techniques but this will be a collaborative exchange and a pooling of our heritage resources.
This will be an inclusive expansive happening. All are welcome whatever your level of Irish is. Is fearr Gaeilge briste ná bearla cliste.
Bat Walk in Thomastown
9-10:15pm
Come and explore bats in Thomastown with Albert Nolan. He will provide a short talk about bats before demonstrating how to use a bat detector. Then all eyes will be looking towards the sky to spot emerging bats as they start their evening of foraging for insects.
This event is weather dependent, in the event, heavy rain is forecasted, the event will be cancelled.
Callans Past, History, Stories, Poems, Songs and Music
8:15pm – 10:30pm
Night of music by the Highwaymen and others with songs history stories and poems of Callans past.
Event free, all welcome.
Ecumenical Service of Remembrance and Heritage Talk
7pm – 8pm
We will be holding an Ecumenical Service of Remembrance and Heritage Talk at the Graveyard in Lower Kilmacow, Kilkenny. We will have a short talk about some of the people buried there, their stories and how they have shaped our community today.
23rd August
Antique Lace Showcase
2pm – 4pm
An exhibition of locally owned lace with textile expert, Vawn Corrigan giving a talk and facilitating a show and tell “Antique Lace Roadshow”
Song of the Scythe National Scything Championships
10:30am – 11:45pm
Register as an individual or a group team. Or simply attend a walk, talk or workshop . Join us for a day of scything walks and talks and traditional skills workshops . Micro Workshops on the Day will include Scything, Peening, Hedgerow Walk, Conservation Grazing and Deep-eco creative writing . Please note that the only workshop which requires booking is Deep Eco Creative Writing.
Forest School Taster Session
10am – 12pm & 1-3pm
Forest school offers a chance for your child to experience what Forest School is all about: time in the woods, freedom to be wild, and connection with nature through play, exploration, and community. Led by qualified Forest School practitioners, this session is designed for children who have never attended Forest School before. It offers a relaxed, supportive introduction to our woodland setting and approach.
Display of Community Heritage – Lingaun Valley
10am – 5:30pm
Lingaun Valley Tourism will display information on its heritage sites at the Iverk show on Saturday Aug 23rd. On that day Iverk Show will host a display and interactive events of its 199 years since inception. This display will involve video theatre showings of old farming and event videos. staff in period costumes and interpretive events during the day.
Breathing Life into History: The Talbot’s Tower Breathwork Experience
10am – 10:45am
Immerse yourself in a transformative experience focusing on mindful breathing and relaxation techniques for enhanced well-being in the medieval setting of Talbot’s Tower. No previous experience needed, no need to bring anything, just yourself and your breath. Session will include access to the interior and top of Talbot’s Tower.
Forest School Taster Session
10am-12pm & 1-3pm
To celebrate Wild Child Day 2025 we are offering two free Forest School taster sessions which are kindly funded by the Heritage Council in partnership with Kilkenny County Council. These offer a chance for your child to experience what Forest School is all about: time in the woods, freedom to be wild, and connection with nature through play, exploration, and community. Led by qualified Forest School practitioners, this session is designed for children who have never attended Forest School before. It offers a relaxed, supportive introduction to our woodland setting and approach.
A Walk to St. John’s Priory – ‘The Lantern of Ireland’
11am-12pm
A Walk to St. John’s Priory – ‘The Lantern of Ireland’ From St. Canice’s Cathedral
Join us at the Cathedral for a walk from the Close of St. Canice’s to St. John’s Priory. Your guide will give you a history of St. Canice’s Cathedral, St. John’s Priory and overview of Kilkenny’s past on the walk.
Booking advisable on Eventbrite.
Children’s Heritage Trail – St. Canice’s Cathedral – Wild Child Day
12-4pm
Join our mascot’s Milo and Ruá on a Children’s Heritage Trail – a self-guided trail through the Cathedral and grounds; with a booklet that combines fun facts, puzzles and challenges related to the Cathedral, and the graveyard’s history. This will be an exciting way of investigating National Heritage Week’s theme of “Exploring our Foundations.”
Eanna Ni Lamhna Outdoor Classroom Workshop and Biodiversity Walk and Talk
12pm – 1:15pm & 2pm – 3:30pm
Be entertained by Eanna Ni Lamhna, Wildlife Expert on a biodiversity walk and talk and be regaled with her stories and wildlife detection. This is an event to be enjoyed by all the family and not to be missed. these events are taking place during Town of Books festival weekend.
Free Guided Tour of St Marys Church, Gowran
12pm – 1pm
Join us for a guided tour of the wonderful St. Mary’s Collegiate church right in the heart of Gowran Village.
Lady Louisa Tighe talk in Thomastown Library
6pm – 7:30pm
These talks by John Kirwan, historian, genealogist, author and consultant archivist will transport the audience and give an insight into the life of Lady Louisa who married William Frederick Fownes Tighe 200 years ago in 1825. Her legacy and will provide an enthralling backdrop for a historical narrative based on original research and primary sources. John has had many articles and essays published on Kilkenny history, places and families. He is currently working on a book about Lady Louisa.
24th August
A Journey Through Time – Exploring the Past through the Flow of Water
11am – 12:45pm
Celebrate Water Heritage Day as we join local historian and explorer Susan Garett for an engaging talk as she shares her upcoming journey along the Goul River, exploring how natural heritage and human history weave together through the flow of water. This event offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how rivers connect us to the past, shape our landscapes, and carry the legacy of the communities that live along their banks.
Kilkenny City Walls Interpretation Plan Walking Tour 1
1-3pm
The walking tours will take 2 hours and cover 3km. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Unfortunately, sections of the tour are not fully wheelchair accessible. The tours will begin outside Kilkenny Castle on the Parade and end outside St. Canice’s Cathedral.
Kilkenny City Walls Interpretation Plan Walking Tour 2
4pm – 6pm
The walking tours will take 2 hours and cover 3km. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Unfortunately, sections of the tour are not fully wheelchair accessible. The tours will begin outside Kilkenny Castle on the Parade and end outside St. Canice’s Cathedral.
Discovering Thomastown – Heritage Walking Tour
2-4pm
Dr. Joe Doyle will lead us on a walking tour of the historic town of Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny and will discuss the rich heritage of the town. Please park at the Quay Car Park to the east of the town, as parking is very limited near the walk start. If coming by train, the Thomastown station is approximately a 15 minute walk to the town centre. We will be walking for the better part of 2 hours, so please dress accordingly as we never know what weather we will have on the day.
A Journey Through Time – Exploring the Past through the Flow of Water
11am – 12:45pm
Celebrate Water Heritage Day as we join local historian and explorer Susan Garett for an engaging talk as she shares her upcoming journey along the Goul River, exploring how natural heritage and human history weave together through the flow of water. This event offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how rivers connect us to the past, shape our landscapes, and carry the legacy of the communities that live along their banks.
Mass Paths in Memory / Cosáin Aifrinn, Cuimhní na gCosán
12pm – 1:30pm
A bi-lingual ramble along Dunmore Mass Path exploring history, biodiversity agus an Ghaeilge. Join Heritage Specialist Pat Reid and Artist Róisín Sheehy on a ramble along Dunmore Mass Path. Along the way, Pat will talk about the heritage of mass paths in Ireland while Róisín will read excerpts from Cín Lae Amhlaoibh, a diary written by Amhlaoibh Ó Súilleabháin in Kilkenny between the years 1827 to 1835 which gives insight into life in rural Ireland in the early 19th century.
