Heritage festival returns to Laois sparking calls for community to get involved
National Heritage Week will return to Laois in August amid a growing interest in heritage events
Community organisations, volunteers and heritage groups in Laois have been invited to take part in this year's National Heritage Week festival.
Event registration for National Heritage Week 2026 is now open, with groups from across the county invited to contribute to this year's festival programme in Laois which will run from August 15-23.
Now in its 26th year, National Heritage Week is Ireland’s largest celebration of built, cultural, and natural heritage, with over 2,500 events taking place annually which are attended by almost half a million people. The week-long festival is an all-island initiative, with the majority of events free to attend.
Last year, National Heritage Week events in Laois included A History of Laois in 100 Objects and a Tour of the Round Tower at Timahoe.
This year’s theme is 'Heritage at Risk' which invites individuals and communities in Laois to consider the elements of our heritage that are vulnerable or under threat, from historic buildings and archaeological sites to natural habitats, traditional skills, folklore, language and ways of life.
Through guided walks, hands-on workshops, talks, performances and heritage trails, events will highlight not only the richness of local heritage, but the importance of protecting and sustaining it for future generations.
Commenting on the importance of National Heritage Week events in Laois, Heritage Officer for Laois County Council Thomas Carolan said: "National Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity for communities in Laois to celebrate the heritage that surrounds us, while also considering what is at risk and how it can be protected.
"From historic sites and landscapes to traditions, stories and local knowledge, Laois has a great deal of heritage worth sharing."
He noted the increased interest in such events in Laois, saying: "We hosted 64 events in 2025, an increase of 39% on the previous year which highlights the growing interest. I would encourage community groups, schools, volunteers and heritage organisations to register an event and help bring that heritage to life."
Also commenting on this year's festival, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said: "National Heritage Week is driven by the passion, creativity and commitment of volunteers, community groups and heritage champions right across Ireland. Their dedication is what makes the week such a success year after year, bringing our shared heritage to life in towns, villages and neighbourhoods.
"Collective community action serves as the most effective safeguard for vulnerable heritage assets, ensuring that built heritage landmarks, ecological habitats and heritage stories and traditions are preserved for future generations.
"I encourage communities to register their events for this year’s programme. It’s a wonderful opportunity to welcome new people into your community and to shine a light on what makes your area unique."
Organisers can register their events for National Heritage Week 2026 at www.heritageweek.ie, where resources will be available to support event planning, accessibility, and promotion.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme