A wide range of events are taking place across Waterford as part of National Heritage Week which begins on Saturday, August 13th.
The in-person and online events are designed to allow people to get hands-on with Waterford's heritage whether it's built, cultural, or natural heritage.
This year's theme is sustainability and biodiversity. The event hopes to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn more and ensure the preservation of Waterford's future.
"This year, National Heritage Week looks to the past to create a better future. The theme of sustainable heritage and biodiversity encourages us all to reflect on how our history and heritage can play a part in protecting our planet," Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council, said.
A guided walk by the majestic river Blackwater, a Bunmahon Mining Heritage Walk, and The Herbs of Great Power Talk with Connecting to Nature are just three of the events taking place across the week.
There will also be two themed days. Saturday, August 20th, will see Wild Child Day invite children to go outside and explore Ireland's natural heritage and biodiversity in a fun and enjoyable way.
Children are being encouraged to look at the world around them differently, to open their eyes to the diverse beauty of the landscape in their area, and to explore their locality.
On Sunday, 21st August, as part of Water Heritage Day, people are being invited to participate in events that celebrate water and our connections with it.
The Heritage Council is calling on heritage newcomers, enthusiasts and experts alike to consider how they might encourage and promote sustainability in their own lives during National Heritage Week.
They are also encouraging people to visit the Heritage Week website to see what events are taking place in their locality or across the country.
Participants can browse the website and create a bespoke National Heritage Week ‘Events Trail’ to help them plan their week according to their location, their particular heritage interests, and their preferred event types.
Coordinated by the Heritage Council since 2005, National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland's largest cultural events.
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