A wide range of events and activities will take place across County Meath as part of National Heritage Week, with opportunities to explore local history, archaeology, traditional crafts, and cultural heritage.
The programme includes tours of Kells Printing Works, archaeology at the Black Friary Community Dig in Trim, guided walks in Navan and Kells, library workshops, visits to St James’ Church in Athboy, Traveller living heritage and events at Loughcrew Cairns.
These are just a few of the activities you can engage in during Heritage Week in Meath.
National Heritage Week continues to be one of Ireland’s largest cultural events. In 2026, it runs from Saturday, 15 August to Sunday, 23 August, and it brings together communities, families, and individuals across the country to celebrate Ireland’s rich and diverse heritage. This year’s theme explores “Heritage at Risk”. At a time of accelerating environmental change, social transformation, and technological shift, the theme invites us to reflect on what is putting our heritage at risk and how we can respond with care, creativity, and collective responsibility.
Numerous organisations, local groups, and individuals will be hosting events that celebrate the rich heritage of County Meath. On Wednesday, 19 August, Terry Cassidy from Birdwatch Ireland Meath will give a talk at the Hill of Tara Visitor Centre on ‘Birds under threat’ at 11am.
On Sunday, 23August, Moynalty Stream Threshing Museum will host an open day from 12pm to 4pm, The museum collection includes a portable steam engine, Horse Drawn Farm machinery, Threshing Machine, collection of hand tools from all trades, shoemaker shop, glass and ceramic collections, radios and early electronics, printing press and country style kitchen with dresser.
Throughout Meath there will be walks, talks, exhibitions, fun family days and living history displays offering everyone the opportunity to get out, explore and enjoy their local area.
Nearly all these events are free, and many are suitable for children.
Launching National Heritage Week in Meath, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Sarah Reilly said: “National Heritage Week is an important opportunity for communities in Meath to celebrate the heritage that shapes the county and I’m delighted to see such an exciting and diverse range of events and activities planned.”
Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: “National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland’s largest cultural events, celebrating Ireland’s built, natural and cultural heritage and aiming to generate awareness, appreciation and preservation of our wonderful heritage resource. A special word of thanks to the organisers of all the events. Without their hard work, dedication and voluntary commitment, Heritage Week would not be possible.”
For full details of all events taking place in Meath throughout National Heritage Week, please see: https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings?q=&where%5B%5D=meath#listings
National Heritage Week is coordinated nationally by The Heritage Council in partnership with The National Lottery, Fáilte Ireland, the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Irish Landmark Trust, Local Authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. At county level, National Heritage Week is co-ordinated and supported by local authority heritage and biodiversity officers, their colleagues and numerous local heritage groups and organisations.
