By Siobhán Kennedy
National Heritage Week 2024, scheduled from 17 to 25 August, promises to be a vibrant celebration of Ireland’s diverse natural, cultural and built heritage. This year’s theme, “Connections, Routes and Networks”, aims to explore the multifaceted links that connect people with heritage across Ireland.
National Heritage Week 2024, organized by the Heritage Council, runs from Saturday, 17 August to Sunday, 25 August. The Heritage Council is now inviting the public to register their events, aligning with the “Connections, Routes and Networks” theme on the National Heritage Week website.
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2024 National Heritage Week theme
This year’s theme, “Connections, Routes and Networks”, encourages exploration of the various ways we are linked to one another and our environment. It underscores the physical routes that have historically connected families and communities, such as roads, paths, rivers and canals, which have facilitated communication, trade, adventure and conflict. These routes reflect the journeys of past societies, from ancient pilgrims’ paths to modern infrastructure, highlighting the enduring human desire to connect.
Beyond physical connections, the theme also emphasizes cultural and intangible connections. These include shared traditions, sports, hobbies, family ties and religious practices that bind communities together.
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Our natural heritage also offers connections, such as migratory birds and native species that traverse and link diverse habitats, creating ecological networks essential for biodiversity.
In the digital age, connections have transcended physical boundaries, creating new opportunities for interaction and heritage preservation. Digital platforms and technologies have made heritage more accessible than ever before, enabling people to explore and research regions and family histories online. Initiatives like heritagemaps.ie and the Irish Community Archive Network (ICAN) provide valuable resources for heritage enthusiasts, facilitating the discovery of historical connections and fostering a deeper appreciation of our shared past. Social media has also further expanded our networks, linking individuals through shared interests and activities; these digital connections often have deep historical roots.
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Exploring the various types of connections provides insights into the origins of routes, structures and rituals, allowing us to appreciate how these elements have shaped our identities and continue to influence our lives today.
Invite to participate
National Heritage Week invites individuals, communities and organizations across Ireland to participate by organizing events that align with this year’s theme. The Heritage Council provides resources and support to help organizers develop engaging activities, in-person events and digital projects that celebrate Ireland’s heritage, such as the 101 Event Ideas guide. In-person events might include lectures, walking tours, film screenings, exhibitions, workshops or other interactive activities, while digital projects can range from online talks and virtual exhibitions to videos, podcasts, blogs, dedicated websites or social media accounts.
Participants are encouraged to register their events on the National Heritage Week website, making it easier for the public to discover and engage with the diverse array of activities planned for the week. To register an event, visit the organizers portal. If you are already registered as an event organizer, simply log in. If not, you will need to create an account.
Event highlights
Several events are already planned and registered for Heritage Week 2024. Here’s a taste of what to expect:
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Elizabeth Fort, Cork, open day, 25 August.
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Bandstand to Harbour, Bray, historical walking tours along Bray seafront, 19, 21 and 23 August.
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Rathdown Union Workhouse, tours of the outside of the workhouse and the famine graveyard, 17, 18, 24 and 25 August.
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The Monastic Midlands, evening lecture series in Shankill, Dublin, 19–23 August.
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Making a connection
This year’s theme encourages participants to make meaningful connections with Ireland’s heritage. By exploring local heritage sites, engaging with cultural traditions and understanding natural networks, individuals can contribute to the preservation and appreciation of Ireland’s rich heritage. These connections not only enhance our understanding of the past but also promote social, environmental and economic well-being in the present.
National Heritage Week 2024 invites us to reflect on the connections that shape our identities and communities. By participating in this nationwide celebration, we can ensure that our heritage is preserved for future generations, fostering a sense of pride and continuity in our shared history.
For more information and to register events, visit the National Heritage Week website.
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