Explore Offaly's cultural roots during Heritage Week

Heritage Week makes its return beginning this Saturday (August 15) bringing a vibrant and eclectic mix of events to heritage sites across Offaly.

Taking place from Saturday, August 15 to Sunday, August 23, the week will celebrate the rich threads of our shared history through interactive workshops, guided tours, and engaging talks that pass on stories from generation to generation.

Whether you are rooted in Offaly or visiting for the first time, there’s plenty to discover.

Organised by the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland’s largest cultural celebrations.

Supported by the Office of Public Works (OPW), the event encourages individuals, families, and groups to explore the remarkable heritage that Ireland has to offer.

This year's theme 'Heritage at Risk' invites us to reflect on endangered natural, cultural, and built heritage, and explore ways to respond with care, creativity, and collective responsibility.

Exploring the Earley Studio Stained Glass in the Church of the Holy Family, Tubber

WHERE: The Church of the Holy Family

WHEN: August 19, 6pm-7pm

Michael Earley will discuss the background to the Earley Stained Glass studios in Ireland and their work. The Church of the Holy Family in Tubber has a very fine selection of windows and Michael will relate how they were made and the symbolism featured. A unique opportunity to view these windows with an expert guide.

Drop the Needle and Reminisce

WHERE: Banagher Library

WHEN: August 22, 11am-12pm

Drop in for a coffee and a chat while listening to some old vinyl records. Bring your own or chose from the library's collection. Sit back, have a chat and relax.

Echoes of St. Manchan and his Mother Mella

WHERE: Lemanaghan School House

WHEN: August 15, 1pm-4.30pm

A guided walk along the old pilgrim routes of St. Manchan, travelling through landscapes shaped by centuries of human footsteps and the slow, patient formation of peat. Just as each layer of peat holds the memory of a time long past, these routes carry the stories of the people who lived beside the bog, worked its surface, and crossed it in search of spiritual refuge.

Bat Walk

WHERE: Banagher Outdoor Swimming Pool

WHEN: August 21, 8.30pm-10pm

Join Banagher Tidy Towns to explore the bat population beside the River Shannon. The walk will be led by Therese Kelly, who has been surveying bats in the area for over ten years. Bat detectors and thermal imagers will be available.

ISL Tour of Clonmacnoise Monastic site

WHERE: Welcome Hub @ Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre

WHEN: August 15, 4pm-5pm

This is an Irish Sign Language Interpreted guided tour of Clonmacnoise Monastic site. The ISL tour is timed so visitors can travel to and from the site on the Local Link Route 850 from Athlone @ 3pm, and return on the bus at 5.15pm.

107.B Barge Tour in Shannon Harbour

WHERE: Shannon Harbour

WHEN: August 17, 11am-12pm

You are welcome to come on board the Canal Barge 107.B to take in all the history and learn about the present and future plans for the barge. For the event the barge will remain stationary and that the event is a guided tour of a static display.

Brosna River Literary & Music Festival 2026

WHERE: The Old Bank, Church Street, Clara

WHEN: August 22, 4pm-6pm

The Brosna River Literary & Music Festival will once again bring together communities from along the banks of the River Brosna for a unique celebration of music, poetry, storytelling, heritage and creativity. Featuring performances by musicians, poets, storytellers and local artists, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where audiences can experience the power of music and the spoken word in a unique riverside setting.

Guided Tours of Birr Castle

WHERE: Birr Castle Demesne

WHEN: August 15-23, 11am-2pm

A rare opportunity to visit Birr Castle, home of the Parsons family for 400 years, and explore five reception rooms filled with art and artifacts. Discover their remarkable achievements in science, astronomy and more.

Historical Walk & Talk of Monastic Village of Killeigh

WHERE: Killieigh Community Centre

WHEN: August 17, 7pm-8.30pm

Killeigh Tidy Towns/Killeigh Residents Development Association will host a Historical Walk & Talk Tour around the Monastic Village of Killeigh by Caimin O' Brien Archaeologist. Tea and refreshments afterwards. Includes access to local Church Of Ireland.

Plein Air: Painting Pullough's Lost Island

WHERE: St Mary's Church Car Park, Pullough

WHEN: August 15, 4pm-5.30pm

An outdoor plein air painting session inspired by Pullough's Lost Island in the bog creative community project which was supported by Offaly County Council’s Creative Ireland Grant Scheme. Explore this unique landscape, discover its heritage, and capture its beauty on canvas. Suitable for all levels of artistic experience.

Tour of Daingean Town Hall

WHERE: Daingean

WHEN: August 18, 8.30pm-9.30pm

Take a tour of this neoclassical building constructed around 1807 to replace an earlier building from the 1760s to serve as the new county courthouse. As recently as 1997 District Court sittings took place in Daingean Courthouse. It also functions as a town hall since 1914 and is a highly valued asset to the local community. Due to its architectural quality and historical background, Daingean Courthouse is listed as a building of regional importance. It has a well documented history as an early courthouse and was widely regarded in its time as one of the finest in Ireland.

Viking Living History Village

WHERE: Tullamore Town Park

WHEN: August 15, 11am-6pm

Vikings landed in Tullamore with their crafters and fighters. Fighters will show weapons, armour, and fighting techniques in a 1v1 fight and shield wall. Children will have the chance to fight the Vikings in their own shield wall.