Cork County Set for Record-Breaking Heritage Week with Over 150 Events

County Cork is preparing for its biggest National Heritage Week celebration yet, with more than 150 events registered across the county for the nine-day festival running from Saturday 16th to Sunday 24th August 2025.

This year's theme, "Exploring Our Foundations", invites participants to discover not just the physical structures that define Cork's landscape, but also the cultural activities and traditions that have shaped the county's identity. The celebration, coordinated by the Heritage Council, promises something for everyone: from medieval re-enactments in Bandon to fairy queen folklore in Bweeng.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley:

"National Heritage Week is one of the highlights in the annual calendar of events here in County Cork, a celebration of people and places and how everything is connected through our wonderful heritage. As Mayor of the County of Cork I commend all groups and organisations who have organised an event and I encourage people in the County, locals and visitors alike, to take part."

The programme spans all eight Municipal Districts, with Cork County Council's Library Service hosting numerous events alongside activities supported through the County Cork Heritage Grant Scheme 2025.

In Bandon-Kinsale, families can explore Charlesfort or immerse themselves in the Bandon Walled Town Festival, complete with medieval re-enactments. The Old Head Signal Tower and Lusitania Museum will also host special events throughout the week.

Carrigaline's highlight is the Tracton Biodiversity weekend, running from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August, perfect for nature enthusiasts keen to explore local wildlife and habitats.

Cobh offers a rich programme including heritage walks, tours of the Old Church graveyard and St. Colman's Cathedral, plus a fascinating talk on the Martello Towers that dot Cork Harbour's coastline.

East Cork features events at the magnificent Fota House, alongside walking tours of Midleton and Youghal. History buffs won't want to miss the free guided tours of Youghal Clock Gate Tower on Thursday 21st August.

North Cork towns get their moment too, with Fermoy hosting a talk on local holy wells in Glanworth on Friday 22nd August. Meanwhile, Kanturk-Mallow's programme includes a Saturday 16th August talk on Lohort Castle's history and a particularly intriguing guided tour of Carrigcleena Rock in Bweeng on Tuesday 18th August, legendary home of Clíodhna, Queen of the South Munster Fairies.

Macroom commemorates the 100th anniversary of Lady Ardilaun of Macroom Castle on Sunday 17th August, followed by a talk about Macroom Castle Gate Lodge on Wednesday 20th August.

West Cork, never to be outdone, presents a pop-up museum showcasing Aughadown in olden times at Skibbereen Town Hall, various events by Skibbereen Heritage Centre, and the award-winning Ellen Hutchins Festival celebrating Ireland's first female botanist across multiple West Cork locations.

Many events are free to attend, making this an accessible celebration for families and individuals alike. The diverse programme ensures that whether you're interested in built heritage, natural landscapes, or cultural traditions, there's something to capture your imagination.

For those wishing to add their own event to the programme, registration remains open until Saturday 16th August, the opening day of Heritage Week itself.

Full details of all events, including times and booking information where required, are available at www.heritageweek.ie. For queries about Cork events specifically, contact corkheritage@corkcoco.ie.

With everything from fairy queens to fortifications on offer, this year's National Heritage Week looks set to remind us all why Cork's heritage is worth celebrating, whether you're a lifelong local or a curious visitor.