Pictured above Left to Right: Des Foley (Director of Services), Ben Malone (Biodiversity Officer), Pádraig Maguire (Senior Planner),  Cllr Sharon Tolan (Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council), Loreto Guinan (Heritage Officer), Gillian Bennet (Planning Department) and Dara McGowan (Deputy Chief Executive) 

Get a chance to experience a pop-up print shop in Kells with the National Print Museum, be an archaeologist for a day at the Black Friary Medieval Family Day in Trim, celebrate and explore the heritage of Duleek, come along to the library and learn about Ireland’s wildlife with author Éanna Ní Lamhna in Rath Chairn, Dunshaughlin, Duleek, Navan and Athboy, hear about the Swift Survey in Meath, enjoy a guided walk and tour of the architecture of Navan and Dunboyne, visit an exhibition on Ireland and the Birth of Europe and enjoy a bread making experience at Martry Mill. These are just a few of the activities you can engage in during Heritage Week in Meath.

National Heritage Week 2024 will take place from Saturday 17th to Sunday 25th August and this year’s theme, Connections, Routes, and Networks will explore the many ways we are linked through our heritage – from physical pathways like roads, canals, and trails to cultural ties through family, pastimes, history and traditions.

Numerous organisations, local groups and individuals will be hosting events that celebrate the rich heritage of County Meath.  On Saturday August 24th there is series of Wildlife Stenciling Workshops at Sonairte in Laytown to mark Wild Child Day.   

With over 78 events taking place throughout the county including walks, talks, exhibitions, family fun days and living history displays there is literally something for everyone.  Nearly all these events are free, and many are suitable for children.

For those interested in the health of our rivers and the lure of the mayfly, on online webinar on Sunday August 25th, Water Heritage Day, will be jointly hosted by the Biodiversity and Heritage Officer networks in conjunction with the Local Authority Waters Programme on the mayflies of Ireland.

Launching National Heritage Week in Meath, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr. Sharon Tolan;

‘Heritage Week is a fantastic celebration of our wonderful natural and cultural heritage and offers everyone the opportunity to get out, explore and enjoy their local area and I’m delighted to see such an exciting and diverse range of events and activities planned’

‘National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland’s largest cultural events, celebrating Ireland’s built, natural and cultural heritage and aiming to generate awareness, appreciation and preservation of our wonderful heritage resource. A special word of thanks to the organisers of all the events, without their hard work, dedication and voluntary commitment Heritage Week would not be possible.’ said Mr. Dara McGowan, Deputy Chief Executive, Meath County Council. 

For full details of all events taking place in Meath throughout the week please see https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings?q=&where%5B%5D=meath#listings

National Heritage Week is coordinated nationally by The Heritage Council in partnership with The National Lottery, Fáilte Ireland, the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Irish Landmark Trust, Local Authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.  At county level, National Heritage Week is co-ordinated and supported by local authority heritage and biodiversity officers, their colleagues and with numerous local heritage groups and organisations.