National Heritage Week runs from Saturday, August 15th to Sunday, August 23rd, with an exciting programme of almost 50 free events for all ages and interests taking place across Waterford city and county.

This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk’, invites us to explore the built, natural and cultural heritage that is under threat, while considering how we can reimagine, protect and breathe new life into endangered sites, artefacts and traditions.

In Waterford, Heritage Week gets underway with Áonach na nDéise – Woodstown Viking Festival at the Waterford Greenway. Now in its ninth year, this signature event in Waterford’s Heritage Week programme, supported by Waterford City and County Council, is a firm favourite with families and history enthusiasts alike.

The free, family-friendly festival brings the Viking age to life with thrilling battle re-enactments, alongside a bustling Viking Village where visitors can discover traditional crafts and skills, including blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, jewellery making, leatherworking, pottery and woodturning.

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General. Photo: John Power

There will also be Viking games and storytelling for children, while the outreach education team from the National Museum of Ireland and TVAS Archaeologists will be on hand with their Dig in a Box, offering budding archaeologists the chance to uncover the past for themselves.

The programme continues throughout the week with guided walks and tours at some of Waterford’s most iconic heritage sites, including Reginald’s Tower, Ballysaggartmore Towers, St Carthage’s Cathedral, Molana Abbey and Kilmolash Church.

Visitors can also delve into their own past with opportunities to research their family history, discover fossil life hidden in everyday buildings, learn about the extraordinary life of Thomas Francis Meagher, or step back in time and experience a day in the life of a Georgian lady.

With almost 50 free events taking place across Waterford during Heritage Week, there are countless opportunities to discover, explore and connect with the county’s rich heritage.

Bernadette Guest, Heritage Officer with Waterford City and County Council, said, “Heritage Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the rich and diverse heritage of Waterford and to encourage people of all ages to engage with the stories, places, traditions and artefacts that have shaped our county.

“Our heritage helps us understand where we have come from and who we are today. With this year’s theme of ‘Heritage at Risk’, we are also reminded of the importance of protecting, preserving and nurturing that heritage for future generations.”

All events are free, but booking is advised.  Check out all the fantastic events taking place in Waterford during National Heritage Week at https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings

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