How about if we tell you that there are some really interesting things to do, and experiences to be had this week and weekend, and all for free? Thanks to National Heritage Week (August 12 to 20th), an exciting line-up of events are lined up all over the country.
National Heritage Week celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built, and natural heritage. It’s known for bringing together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts to share their experience, knowledge culture and practices.
While there are lots of things on offer, and there’s something for everyone – for the geeky soul to the one who likes to explore, we have zeroed down on lovely things that you can do right here in and around Dublin. What’s more, these won’t cost you a penny. That’s certainly something to account for, because who doesn’t like to save some money, especially in a time like this?
The weather’s still full of sunshine, so if you pack yourself a little picnic, you can head to a park after these events or take advantage of the grounds and common areas and make a nice day out of it.
Ring the bells!
How about a bell-ringing demonstration with cathedral bell-ringer Andrew Nolan? Taking place at Christ Church Cathedral, you get an opportunity to visit their belfry, hear all about the fascinating history of Christ Church bells and have a go at ringing them yourself!
If you have never tried ringing the bells, we guarantee you that it’s a whole lot of fun. (P.S. I speak from personal experience. I once attended a demonstration in Wales, and you would be surprised at how excited people were when they got an opportunity to have a go at ringing the bells themselves!)
Choose from these dates:
18 August, 2pm – 3pm 18 August, 4pm – 5pm 19 August, 11am – 12pm 19 August, 2pm – 3pm
For more information, contact:
016931356
A walking tour of the Dublin suburb of Rathmines
This tour titled ‘The History of Rathmines Pubs Walking Tour’ is a continuation from National Heritage Week’s series of Heritage Week pub tours. It follows on from the tours of The Stags Head, the ‘Pubs of Ringsend’, and the ‘Pubs of Sandymount’. This new edition 2023 tour brings you from the first pub in Rathmines in the 18th Century, ‘The Crown and Anchor’ to the most recent opening ‘Kodiak’. It’s the story of a suburb’s rise, revolution, and a bygone era.
Date:
19th August, 12pm – 1pm
Meet at:
Outside Blackbird Public House
82-84 Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin
D06 Y5Y8
Co. Dublin – Dublin City
For more information, contact:
Eddie Bohan
+353851442088
Behind the scenes at Malahide Castle
Most Dubliners would have been to Malahide Castle. Many times. For picnics, concerts, Christmas lights, ghost tours…But how about getting behind the scenes with their Collections Manager?
You can ask any questions you may have about conservation and preservation and just how they interpret the castle’s history. You will get an inside view and
hear all about the centuries of curation, renovation and refinement that has culminated in the collection of furniture, artwork, and personal effects on display today.
We think that this tour is certainly not to be missed. Take our word for it. We were at Malahide Castle’s Great Hall reopening last year and were very impressed with the portrait collection (assembled over five centuries). The cutlery and silverware laid out at the banquet table in the style of 1820s was also eye-catching and besides there was a story waiting to be discovered at every nook and corner of the castle and its beautiful grounds.
Booking is required.
Date:
19th August, 11am – 12pm
For more information, contact:
Felting fun with Niki Collier at the IMMA
We all need events where we can come together as a family and have a great time. And if it were at a location like the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), that would be rather nice, isn’t it?
The IMMA almost always makes it to the best-museums-in-Dublin-lists, as it does to the top destinations to visit when in Dublin list.
You could head to IMMA for some creative family time. Children and grown-ups can enjoy this art workshop in their front lawn pavilion and studios. Based on artworks from IMMA’s exhibitions, families can discover their inner artist while having fun and creating their own artworks. What’s more, local Irish wool would be used for creating all the pieces.
On the day, ask at Main Reception for directions to the workshop space.
Date:
20th August, 2pm – 4pm
For more information, contact:
St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin Disney Spectacular
Are you intrigued? What’s this you ask. It’s a musical adventure and it takes place at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. Classical musician Judith Lyons takes to the stage for an interactive concert like no other.
What’s on the table? An hour full of joy, laughter, and the unforgettable melodies of Disney and contemporary classics. This concert is a treat for adults and children alike. It promises a fun-filled experience that will have you singing, dancing, and tapping your feet. Dressing up is highly encouraged, so you can head to the concert in your favourite Disney or contemporary-inspired attire.
The interactive concert is open to all ages, fostering a sense of togetherness and creating a shared experience for families, friends, and music enthusiasts alike.
Date:
19th August, 1pm – 2pm
For more information, contact:
014539472
Heritage Week Tour at the Dublinia
A special interactive tour tailored for Heritage Week takes you on a discovery of Viking and medieval Dublin. On this tour, you can try on a Viking costume, and even get a chance to hold a Viking sword or shield.
You will get to visit the medieval fair and learn all about cures for diseases long ago. Or you could take a stroll down a medieval street, pop into the medieval house and take a seat by the fire. For anyone who loves all things Viking, this isn’t to be missed.
Dates:
17, 18, 19th August, 11am – 12:15pm
Booking essential. Please email [email protected] to book your tickets
These are some of our favourite picks, but there are about 2000 events taking place all over the country. Galleries, gardens, historic houses, barnyards, and studios are playing host to events covering everything from architecture to archaeology, film to foraging, philosophy to genealogy and music to storytelling. For more information you can visit the National Heritage Week website and you can also create your own events trail.
