National Heritage Week 2025 looks set to see the highest number of events yet in the County of Cork, with over 150 events registered on www.heritageweek.ie  National Heritage Week, coordinated by the Heritage Council, is a 9 day celebration of all things heritage, taking place from Saturday, the 16th to Sunday, the 24th of August 2025. The theme, “Exploring Our Foundations” invites us to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the physical structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us.

Across the County of Cork, there is a wide reaching line-up of events covering built, cultural and natural heritage, including events hosted by Cork County Council’s Library Service and many more events supported through the County Cork Heritage Grant Scheme 2025.

Some select events across all the Municipal Districts include:

  • Bandon-Kinsale: Family friendly events in Charlesfort and the Bandon Walled Town Festival in Bandon, including a medieval re-enactment, as well as a number of events at the Old Head Signal Tower and Lusitania Museum.
  • Carrigaline: The Tracton Biodiversity weekend will take place over the weekend of Friday, the 22nd to Sunday, the 24th of August.
  • Cobh: A range of events including a heritage walk of the town, a tour of the Old Church graveyard, tours of St. Colman’s Cathedral and a talk on the Martello Towers of Cork Harbour.
  • East Cork: A number of events at Fota House as well as walking tours of Midleton and Youghal, including free guided tours of Youghal Clock Gate Tower on Thursday, the 21st of August.
  • Fermoy: A talk on local holy wells in the North Cork town of Glanworth on Friday, the 22nd of August.
  • Kanturk-Mallow: A talk on the history of Lohort Castle on Saturday, the 16th of August and a guided tour of Carrigcleena Rock in Bweeng on Tuesday, the 18th of August, famed as the residence of Cliodhna, the Queen of the South Munster Fairies.
  • Macroom: An event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lady Ardilaun of Macroom Castle on Sunday, the 17th of August and a talk regarding Macroom Castle Gate Lodge on Wednesday, the 20th of August.
  • West Cork: A pop-up museum of Aughadown in olden times in Skibbereen Town Hall, a range of events by Skibbereen Heritage Centre as well as the award-winning Ellen Hutchins Festival taking place in various locations around West Cork. 

For full details of all events taking place, visit www.heritageweek.ieand for any queries email corkheritage@corkcoco.ie The closing date to register an event is Saturday, the 16th of August.