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“This year’s theme is Living Heritage and everyone is invited to explore the traditions, practices, knowledge and skills that have been passed down through the generations” explained Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer.  “There is a tremendous programme of events organised by heritage organisations, community groups and individuals across the county.  The success of Heritage Week in County Donegal relies on those people who organise events for Heritage Week and those people who support them.  The variety of events planned this year is impressive.  It includes traditional skills demonstrations, guided walks, heritage site visits, fieldtrips, heritage open houses, exhibitions, talks, workshops, artisan fairs, historical re-enactments, launch events and children’s activities.” 

“Be sure to check out your local newspapers or the Heritage Week website for further details of events in your area.  The National Heritage Week website allows you to search by county and by day so you can plan your Heritage Week itinerary.  There is a ‘My Events Trail’ facility on the Heritage Week website that allows you to highlight the events that you’d like to attend and then you can print out, e-mail or share your events trail on social media.  County Donegal Heritage Week event organisers can collect free National Heritage Week-branded merchandise at the County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny.  These include high-visibility vests, t-shirts, flags, bunting, lanyards and pencils.”

Two days during Heritage Week have a particular theme: Saturday, August 19 is ‘Wild Child Day’ and encourages children and families to get outdoors to enjoy and explore the heritage and biodiversity in their locality.  Sunday, August 20 is ‘Water Heritage Day’ and celebrates Ireland’s water and how our history and heritage has been shaped by the sea, rivers, lakes and wetlands. 

National Heritage Week is an integral part of European Heritage Days celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.  National Heritage Week is coordinated by The Heritage Council & Local Authority Heritage Officers with support from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. 

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD said:

“With thousands of free events all over the country, Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the places, traditions, crafts and skills that have woven their way through the fabric of Irish society.  I’d like to commend the hundreds of people, community groups and organisations across Ireland who, every year, give freely of their own time to host events and share their interest in heritage with the public and with the next generation of heritage lovers and tradition keepers.  It is thanks to their efforts that the understanding and love of our heritage is kept alive, and passed on to the next generation.”