OPW offering free admission to over 50 sites for Heritage Week

The Office of Public Works has announced free admission to over 50 heritage sites on Saturday 15 August, marking the opening weekend of National Heritage Week 2026.

This year’s theme is ‘Heritage at Risk’, and visitors are encouraged to reflect on any aspect of our heritage that may be vulnerable or under threat.

Along with free entry, there will be multiple events and activities at heritage sites nationwide,

These include Errigal Handweaver, Siobhán Ní Ghallchóir at Donegal Castle on August 17. This will allow visitors to learn about the weaving history of Donegal and basic weaving and yarn processing.

At Kells Priory, there will be an opportunity to learn all about the world of the Vikings, where diggers will excavate the remains of a Viking house and analyse artefacts.

Ferns Castle in County Wexford is hosting a craft fair on August 15, shining a spotlight on Ireland’s traditional crafts.

There will also be a medieval longbow demonstration at Athenry Castle, and this will bring medieval warfare to life, with live demonstrations, speeches and archery activities.

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said: “National Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to connect with Ireland’s rich cultural and built heritage. I am very pleased the OPW is once again offering free admission to over 50 heritage sites on Saturday, 15 August, giving even more people the opportunity to visit and experience these remarkable places.

“This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk’, highlights the importance of protecting and preserving the heritage that shapes our communities. Through this initiative, we hope to encourage families, visitors and local communities to explore the extraordinary heritage sites in their area and to engage with the wide range of events taking place across the country during Heritage Week.”

Virgiinai Teehan, Chief Executive at The Heritage Council said: “We are delighted to welcome the Office of Public Works once again as a valued partner of National Heritage Week 2026. The OPW’s decision to offer free admission to its fee-paying heritage sites on Saturday, 15 August, is a wonderful way to mark the opening weekend of Heritage Week and to encourage more people to discover and engage with Ireland’s remarkable heritage.

“This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk’, invites us all to reflect on the places, traditions, landscapes and biodiversity that require our care and protection. By opening the doors of so many important heritage sites, the OPW is helping people to connect with the heritage around them and to better understand its value for future generations. We look forward to working with the OPW and communities across the country to celebrate and safeguard our shared heritage throughout National Heritage Week.”