National Heritage Week takes place across Ireland from 13th-21st August 2022 with lots of free events in every county. There are plenty of family-friendly events and activities to enjoy, from coin striking and castle tours to traditional games and archaeology digs – we’ve picked out a selection that look really fun!
National Heritage Week 2022 may be a time for individuals or families to uncover their personal histories for the first time. Is there a tradition such as a song or craft that has been passed down through your family or community that you are curious about? Have you become more aware of nature in your locality? Heritage exploration opportunities are endless, no matter your interest.
On Wild Child Day, The Heritage Council encourages kids and families to drop the devices, jump off the couch and get outdoors to explore the heritage and biodiversity in their locality. This year’s Wild Child Day will take place on Saturday 20th August.
Family Events at Heritage Week 2022
Dig It – Archaeology for Kids at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park
Date: August 13th from 11am-4pm
Where: Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Roscommon
‘Dig It’ is a fun, educational, hands-on archaeological experience for children of all ages (3+), where they learn why and how archaeologists do what they do. Using safe, child-friendly tools (wooden and plastic ‘trowels’ and brushes), children are invited to help archaeologist Alan Healy carry out a supervised ‘mini-excavation’ with the promise of hidden treasures, buried secrets and perhaps a surprise or two.
‘Dig It’ will appeal to any children who are interested in archaeology, curious about the past or just like digging in the garden! (Warning – children will be digging in garden peat and, like grown-up archaeologists, can get a little dirty!)
For more information, click here.
The Big Dig for Kids at Glendalough
Date: August 14th from 11am-4pm
Where: Glendalough
Join the School of Irish Archaeology in Glendalough for family fun and entertainment. Explore the archaeology of Glendalough through a simulated and controlled archaeology dig. Children have an opportunity to experience what it is like to be an archaeologist by learning how to excavate the remains of a Viking house. They will have an opportunity to dig for Viking treasures and artefacts dating back over 1,000 years and learn about our Viking ancestors through the eyes of real archaeologists!
For more information, click here.
Make a Seat, Take a Seat Family Workshop
Date: August 14th at 1-2.45pm and 2.45-4.30pm
Where: National Museum of Ireland – Decorate Arts & History, Collins Barracks
The workshop theme draws inspiration from the ‘Take a Seat’ and the permanent Eileen Gray exhibitions. Using furniture design and commonly used materials such as fabric and cardboard, participants will be supported in experimenting with different building techniques.
Creative Design Facilitators will guide families on a design thinking journey to make and create their own chair inspired by our carefully designed examples and put your own unique embellishments using repurposed and unloved materials from ReCreate Ireland HQ. You will be able to take your uniquely designed seat at the end of the session to exhibit at home.
This workshop is suitable for age 7+ and booking is essential. For more information, click here.
Athenry Walled Towns Day
Date: August 14th from 1-5pm
Where: Athenry, Galway
Athenry Walled Towns Day is a free family day event curated by the Athenry Heritage Centre and Galway County Council which showcases the rich Anglo-Norman history of the best preserved medieval town in Ireland.
Experience the thrill of having a go archery, battle reenactments, medieval music, arts & crafts, food stalls, and children’s puppet shows. It’s a welcome return of Animal Magic with their amazing display of birds of prey, and discover the world of blacksmithing in Maddens Forge. There are guided walks of the medieval town and children can become an archaeologist with Dr. Christy Cunniffe, Ireland’s 2020 Heritage Hero.
Now in its 16th year, Athenry Walled Towns Day is the ideal day out for Heritage Week and is accessible by road, rail and bus.
For more information, click here.
Paint Your Own Medieval Tile
Date: August 14th from 10.30am-12pm and 2-4pm and August 21st from 10.30am-12pm and 2-4pm
Where: Old Mellifont Abbey Visitor Centre, Co Louth
Join in at Old Mellifont Abbey and paint a copy of the beautiful tiles found in the excavations. This event is always very popular and places at the painting tables are limited. When your tile has dried, you can take it with you and place it in your home or garden.
This is a family activity and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, click here.
Children’s Tours of Kilmainham Gaol
Date: August 15th, 16th and 17th
Where: Kilmainham Gaol Museum, Dublin
A guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol for younger visitors. The tour is suitable for children aged 8-12 years old.
Booking required here.
Children-Friendly Tours at Kilkenny Castle
Date: August 16th, 18th and 19th from 9.15-10am
Where: Kilkenny Castle
This free guided tour is aimed at school-aged children and their families.
Parts of the Castle may not be suitable for people with limited mobility, but ground floor rooms fully accessible.
Booking is required, due to limited availability. To reserve your place email [email protected]
All About Hurling Tour for Kids
Date: August 18th
Where: Croke Park GAA Museum
This National Heritage Week, the GAA Museum are offering visitors the chance to learn more about the sport of hurling and the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
Where better to learn about the skills, heroes and uniqueness of hurling than at Croke Park – the home of Irish sport? Hurling dates back over 2,000 years and in 2018, alongside camogie, it was added to the UNESCO list of protected cultural activities around the world.
Through a passionate guide, hear about the Irish mythological warrior and hurler, Cú Chulainn while learning the technique and skill required to play and strike the ball. This tour is for kids and includes a chance to walk pitchside at Croke Park and spend time in the GAA Museum where the original Liam MacCarthy trophy is on display.
Hands on Hurling tours for Heritage Week are free of charge but must be booked online in advance. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. For more information, click here.
Biodiversity Talk with Pond Dipping
Date: August 18th at 11.30am and 2.30pm
Where: The Lake at Birr Castle Demesne, Offaly
Explore the amazing aquatic life that live below the surface of the still freshwater. Aquatic invertebrates are a very important indicator of water quality in the environment.
Now more than ever it’s important to realise that even the smallest creatures in an ecosystem, as small as the tip of your baby finger even, are so incredibly important. Prepare to be amazed by what we find and identify.
Suitable for children age 5-12 years. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Pre-booking is essential. For more information and to book, click here.
Irish School of Archaeology – Coin Striking Workshop
Date: August 18th from 12-4pm
Where: Cork Public Museum
Throughout the day the children will get to see the Viking Coin Making Workshop where it will be demonstrated how Ireland’s first coin was minted while learning all about ancient trade and commerce in medieval Ireland.
The School of Irish Archaeology will introduce their workshops and coin striking, designed for children from 5-12 years of age. Workshops will bring the past to life through practical, interactive experiences in a hands-on learning environment.
There are five 40-minute sessions with limited space in each session. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment. For more information, click here.
An Og(h)am Workshop with Dr Nora White
Date: August 18th from 2-4pm
Where: Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Co Meath
Dr Nora White gives an introduction to Og(h)am at Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. She will tell you about the history and origins of Og(h)am as well as how important trees were. You can even try writing your name in Og(h)am.
For more information, click here.
‘Naturally Wild’ Biodiversity Workshop for Children
Date: August 19th at 10am and 11am
Where: Dungarvan Library, Co Waterford
Dale Treadwell of Naturally Wild has been presenting on all things Biodiversity for over two decades in Ireland, he has had stints on RTE the Den and been part of some of the biggest Science Festivals in Ireland. For Heritage Week he will bring the 5 B’s of Biodiversity to Dungarvan Library with some of his own authored tales, as well as bugs and beasties to be found in your own gardens. As well as a Cretaceous surprise or two!
This is a free event for children as part of Heritage Week, booking is essential. For more information, click here.
Hedgerow Scavenger Hunt
Date: August 20th
Where: Airfield Estate, Dublin
Celebrate Wild Child Day 2022 and discover the hidden world of Airfield’s hedgerows. This guided hedgerow scavenger hunt is designed to open children’s eyes to the flora, fauna and folklore of Irish hedgerows. Each child will receive an Airfield Hedgerow trail sheet and will follow clues, collect natural treasure, and complete tasks at our exciting activity stations. Activities will include hedgerow foraging, using natural plant dyes, scavenging for nest building material, and an epic bug hunt.
For more information, click here.
Ecology for Children, The Woodland Trail at The National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park
Date: August 20th from 2-4pm
Where: The National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, Co Roscommon
Find beauty and magic in the mature woodlands of Strokestown Park, where children and big children alike will discover the rich ecology of our natural heritage.
Find adventure on the family-friendly woodland trail, and make music on the outdoor xylophone. Admire impressive specimens of mature Beech and Oak, planted by Henry Pakenham-Mahon over 300 years ago.
Roam through lush woodlands, listen to the birds sing, and reflect at our peaceful forest bathing stations set in the serene rural Roscommon landscape.
For more information, click here.
Hill of Tara Wild Child Challenge
Date: August 20th from 2.30-4pm
Where: Hill of Tara, Co Meath
Where better for a Wild Child event than at the iconic Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland? Led by Paul O’Donnell, this hands-on session is suitable for children from 5 to 13 years of age.
Children will explore the biodiversity on the Hill of Tara through orienteering, sketching and an introduction to mammals. They will also learn about the history of the Hill of Tara, and take part in a number of challenges, including the World Wild Child Hill Rolling Championships! The only equipment needed is old clothes and rain gear in case of inclement weather.
For more information, click here.
Traditional Games Weekend at Athlone Castle
Date: August 20th and 21st
Where: Athlone Castle, Co Westmeath
Rediscover the joys of traditional games with a weekend of fun in Athlone Castle’s courtyard. Visitors can enjoy playing popular games including, X&Os, Tumbling Tower, Connect Four, Snakes and Ladders, Hopscotch and more. A selection of period costumes will also be available for visitors to try on.
This free event does not include admission to Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
For more information, click here.
Family Fun Day at National Print Museum
Date: August 21st
Where: National Print Museum, Dublin
The National Print Museum’s collection is unique. It is not behind glass or rope – it is an example of a living and working collection. On Family Fun Day, you are invited to witness the historic collection come to life with a series of print demonstrations. There will also be a chance to roll up your own sleeves to get inky with some mini hands-on workshops.
Suitable for all ages. This event will be first-come, first-served.
For more information, click here.
About the Author: Jill Holtz
