From interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops to adventure trails and guided tours, the National Museum of Ireland has something for all ages to enjoy this National Heritage Week.
The Museum is once again delighted to participate in this vibrant and engaging initiative by the Heritage Council, celebrating Ireland's cultural, built, and natural heritage from 16 to 24 August 2025.
This year’s theme, 'Exploring Our Foundations', invites us to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us.
Take a look at some of our highlight events and be sure to visit one of our four Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo for National Heritage Week 2025.
HERITAGE WEEK at Collins Barracks
Join us at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks to explore a vibrant programme of free guided tours, interactive trails and family-friendly activities from Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 August for Heritage Week 2025.
Tour Highlights Include:
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The Way We Wore – Discover how clothing reflects social change (Sat 16 August, 14:00)
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A Taste of the Past – Explore Ireland’s food and drink traditions (Sat 16 August, 15:30 )
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LGBTQIA+ Tour – Uncover hidden histories at Collins Barracks (Sun 17 August, 14:00)
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Game, Set, Match – Dive into the history of Irish sport (Sun 17 August, 15:30)
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Music Makers – Celebrate musical heritage through the museum’s collection (Sat 23 & Sun 24 of August, 14:00)
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Symbols of Ireland – Explore national identity through iconic objects (Sun 24 August, 15:30)
All tours start at Reception. No booking required, but places are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Family Trail Adventure:
Pick up a free Activity Book at reception and embark on a self-guided journey through the museum’s galleries. Designed for children aged 9–13 and their families, this trail spans stories from Dublin to Donegal, Aran to Armagh.
HERITAGE WEEK at Turlough Park
1. HERITAGE WEEK: Traditional Basket Weaving
13:00 - 16:00 | Sunday | 24 August | Adults and Children
Step back in time with Tom Delaney, known locally as 'Ould Crafty', as he demonstrates the age-old art of basket weaving using locally grown willow. Watch as he transforms natural materials into beautiful, functional baskets using techniques passed down through generations. A rare opportunity to learn about the heritage of rural craftsmanship in Mayo.
2. HERITAGE WEEK: Traditional Wood Crafting Skills
13:00 - 16:00 | Sunday | 24 August | Adults and Children
Join Eoin Reardon, skilled woodworker and heritage craft advocate, as he shares his passion for traditional woodworking, from hand tools to heritage joinery techniques. Eoin will showcase the beauty and precision of working with wood the old-fashioned way. This demonstration is a must-see for anyone interested in sustainable craft, local history, or simply the joy of making.
HERITAGE WEEK at Kildare Street
1. HERITAGE WEEK Outreach: Aonach na nDéise - Woodstown Viking Site Heritage Festival, Co. Waterford
Sunday 17 August | All Ages
This Heritage Week, the Education and Outreach Department from NMI – Archaeology will be bringing the Viking Handling Collection down to Waterford to take part in the Áonach na nDéise - Woodstown Viking Heritage Festival. There, they will be joined by Déise Medieval, Waterford City and County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TVAS Archaeology, and The Discovery Programme, for a fun filled Viking Day!
2. HERITAGE WEEK Drop-In: Raiders, Traders and Settlers! Viking Ireland Handling Workshop
14:00- 16:00 | Wednesday 20 August | Families
Take a look at Viking swords and axes used for raiding, a Viking brass scales for trading, and clothes worn by men and women who lived and settled in Viking Dublin. Take part in some relaxing colouring activities, read through our many books about archaeology, and make sure to explore the Museum's galleries afterwards.
3. HERITAGE WEEK Drop-In: Forge and Rune! Viking Sword Craft Workshop
10.30 - 12:00 | Thursday 21 August | Families
Explore the lives of Viking warriors and their swords at this drop-in workshop. Craft and decorate your own mini paper Viking sword and mark it with a secret message in Viking runes to take home with you. Afterwards, take a visit to the ‘Words on the Wave: Ireland and St. Gallen in Early Medieval Europe’ exhibition to see the recently conserved Viking sword from the River Shannon, Co. Limerick.
- BROWSE: Summer Programme of Workshops, Tours & Trails at the National Museum of Ireland
- BROWSE: Late Night at the National Museum of Ireland
- BROWSE: Events marking the Words on the Wave exhibition at Kildare Street
- BROWSE: Don’t miss out – discover a range of extraordinary exhibitions at the National Museum this summer