Heritage Week 2026
Event Schedule
Stone & Silence Photography Exhibition
Stone & Silence photography exhibition explores the enduring presence of Ireland’s ancient megalithic monuments and their significance within the cultural landscape.
Through contemporary imagery, the project highlights these remarkable sites as places of memory, ritual, and connection to the past.
By drawing attention to their scale, beauty, and vulnerability, Stone & Silence encourages a deeper appreciation of Ireland’s prehistoric heritage and the importance of preserving these enduring landmarks for future generations. FREE
Organiser: Corey Davenport
Venue: Virginia Library, Main St, Virginia, Co. Cavan, A82 PA03
Email:coreydavenportphotography@gmail.com
SATURDAY 15th AUGUST, 12pm - 1pm
The Evolution of House Dwellings in Ireland
Join model maker Kevin Sweeney for our Lunch Time Lecture on the evolution of house dwellings in Ireland. An experiences model maker, Kevin is skilled in creating models of both landmarks and vernacular buildings found around County Cavan - including some that are no longer in existence. FREE
Organiser: Cavan County Museum
Venue: Cavan County Museum, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan A82 YP70 Email: info@cavanmuseum.ie / Telephone: 049 8544070
SATURDAY 15th AUGUST, 10am - 4pm
Keeping Our Traditions Alive
Open day at The Barn Apiary! Including two workshops, a reed making demonstration and oat threshing demos. Honey tasting, traditional Irish harp music and local artists all on site on the day! FREE
10am – 12pm Workshop: Is Beekeeping For Me? – Beginner friendly workshop to explore the World of Beekeeping | Booking essential
1pm-3pm Beeswax in Natural Cosmetics – live demonstrations of the uses of beeswax in natural everyday products | no booking required
Organiser: The Bee Barn
Venue: The Bee Barn, Lough Sheelin, Co Cavan, A82 F9F9
Email: thebeebarn00@gmail.com / Telephone: 086 894 0228
SATURDAY 15th AUGUST, 2pm – 4pm
Fields of Change, Exploring Drumlane
This two part event is a historic walk through the Drumlane abbey church and graveyard.
With an optional short biodiversity walk exploring the evolving landscape, with fabulous views over lakes, crannogs, an ancient ringfort and the surrounding countryside. FREE
Organiser: Drumlane History and Heritage Group
Venue: Drumlane Abbey car park, Milltown, Co. Cavan.
Email: gunnsusie@gmail.com / Telephone: 087 6467619
SATURDAY 15th AUGUST, 10am – 4pm
The Golden Mile Rambling House: A Storytelling Masterclass
A day-long celebration of Ireland's Rambling House tradition, led by Kells-based writer and teacher Dr. Simon Thomas.
Through two hands-on sessions (10am–12pm and 2–4pm), you'll explore the principles of storytelling, the traditions of the Rambling House, the hidden history of the Golden Mile - and learn how to shape and tell a story of your own, rooted in the places you know.
Includes a home-cooked lunch and a guided historical ramble down the Golden Mile. Run on a cost-recovery basis: €60 per person covers lunch, materials and venue; concessions €45. Booking Essential: 085 745 2847 or goldenmileretreats.com.
Organiser: My Irish Story
Venue: Golden Mile Retreats, Mullaghland Mullagh, Co Cavan A82 YR58
Email: myirishstory1@gmail.com / Telephone: 085 7427630
SATURDAY 15th AUGUST, 10am – 1pm
Heritage at Risk: Legends of the Lake Boat Trip
Step aboard for a serene and story-filled journey across the ancient waters of Lough Oughter to one of Ireland’s most photographed and Cavan’s most iconic castle. This guided boat tour explores the history, folklore, and strategic significance of Clough Oughter Castle – built on crannog foundations and steeped in tales of clan conflict, resilience and rebellion. Along the way, we’ll discover a wetlands landscape, local wildlife, and how Ireland’s waterways once shaped travel, defense and daily life. FREE
Booking Essential: Guided Boat Tour to Clough Oughter Castle
Organiser: Cavan Adventure Centre
Venue: Cavan Adventure Centre, Inishmore, Butlersbridge, Co Cavan.
Email: info@cavanadventure.ie / Telephone: 0494893630
SATURDAY 15th AUGUST, 11am – 11.30am
Heritage Heroes Storytime
Join the staff of Johnston Central Library for a special Irish Heritage Storytime for children. The event is suited for 3 - 7 years. Booking is not necessary. We ask that children under 12 years are accompanied by a parent or guardian in the library. FREE
Organiser: Cavan Library
Venue: Johnston Central Library, Farnham St, Cavan H12 A3T1
Email: library@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 4378500
SUNDAY 16th AUGUST, 7pm-9pm
Echoes of the Past in Bawnboy – Sharing Cherished Stories and Memories
Join local Bawnboy residents as they share memories and stories of Bawnboy in Jampa Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre. The event will be facilitated by Savina Donohoe, former curator of Cavan County Museum as she meets six Bawnboy residents, who will share their cherished childhood memories, customs, practices and the social history of Bawnboy. Refreshments will be served in the walled garden after the event. FREE
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Jampa Ling Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre, Owendoon House, Bawnboy, Co. Cavan H14 E286
Email:cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 4378600
SUNDAY 16th AUGUST, 3pm - 6pm
Clan McCabe Rally
The Mc Cabe Clan Rally will take place on Sunday 16th August in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan starting at 3 pm.
The event is free and all Mc Cabes, or those with an interest in the name, are welcome. FREE
Organiser: McCabe Clan Society
Venue: Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan
Email: brianfrancis.mccabe@gmail.com / Telephone: 087-3513328
SUNDAY 16th AUGUST, 11am - 6pm
Knockbride Festival Family Fun Day
Join us for the Knockbride Festival Family Fun Day on Sunday, 16th August in East Knockbride for a fantastic day of entertainment for all ages while raising funds for local charities.
Something for everyone to enjoy, including exciting tractor pulling, a fun dog show, tug of war, a puppet show, and a spectacular magic show. Children can take part in our colouring competition, enjoy face painting, and compete in our best dressed competitions. Browse a variety of trade stands, watch a professional make-up demonstration, and experience traditional wood turning, along with fascinating vintage and heritage displays celebrating our local history and rural traditions.
Children free. Adults paying. Lots of free entertainment for children and lots of free things to look at. €20 for adults. ADMISSION FEE
Organiser: Knockbride Festival
Venue: East Knockbride, A82 A567
Email: knockbridefestivalcommittee@gmail.com / Telephone: 086 4522516
SUNDAY 16th AUGUST, 3pm - 5pm
Is fearr Sean-Nós ná Nós Nua (An old custom is better than a new one)
“Is fearr Sean-Nós ná Nós Nua”
Taispeántais lúsra, sean leighis & sean dóigh i ngleic leis an dtéama “Oidhreacht i mbaol”. Beidh sé ar siúl
De Domhnaigh 16ú lúnasa i bpáirc foraise Erica. H16RK50
3-5in, saor in aisce.
“Old customs are better than new customs” will be an interactive demonstration of Herbs, old cures & customs. This will be very much reflective of the theme this year of “Heritage at Risk”
Irish/ Bilingual Presentation suitable for everyone. This event is taking place at the stand outside Walkabout Cafe in Erica’s Fairy Forest.
Fáilte roimh achan duine. Audience participation welcome. Please come prepared for weather! FREE
Organiser: Gaeil Mhuinchille
Venue: Bandstand at Walkabout Café, Monaghan Road, Cootehill, H16 RK50
Email: ficren@gmail.com / Telephone: 087 222 3971
MONDAY 17th AUGUST, 2pm - 3pm ne
The Bog of Small Things – their hidden beauty
Nature photographer Tina Claffey will give a talk and presentation exploring the hidden beauty of boglands.
Delivered as part of Heritage Week this event forms part of an overall project highlighting the fragile ecologies of boglands in Cavan using creative approaches with composer Ian Wilson and photographer Tina Claffey. Refreshments. FREE
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Market House, Market Square, Main Street, Ballyconnell H14 P300
Email:cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 4378607
MONDAY 17th AUGUST, 7.30pm – 8.45pm ne
Havens for Nature: Supporting Biodiversity in Faith Grounds Online Talk
This online event is for any faith groups or individuals interested in taking action for biodiversity on their faith grounds. Open to all interested!
The Heritage Council published a booklet earlier this year, Havens for Nature: Supporting Biodiversity in Faith Grounds. This guide supports faith communities to take simple actions for biodiversity on their grounds. Read the guide at www.heritagecouncil.ie/publications.
This online event will bring together a range of expert speakers to give practical tips on why action is so important, how to get started, and the biodiversity measures that can make a real difference.
Action for biodiversity on faith grounds is growing year on year, with the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference commitment to return 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030 helping to spur action in recent years. We hope this event will inspire many more people to get involved and provide the tools and contacts needed to do so.
Speakers include: Meadhbh Bolger, Biodiversity Officer, The Heritage Council; Kate Chandler, NBDC; Jennie Drysdale, Chairperson of Doonbeg Tidy Towns / Doonbeg Church Return to Nature; Jane Mellett, Trócaire and Laudato Si’ Working Group; The Reverend David White, Rector, Zion Church of Ireland Parish; Satwinder Singh, EcoSikh Ireland Chairperson; and Paul McNamee, Sunyata Buddhist Centre.
The event is online.
Please book below via the Eventbrite link and a Zoom link will be sent to your email on the morning of the event.
Please contact Meadhbh Bolger, Biodiversity Officer with the Heritage Council, if you have any questions. FREE BOOKING ESSENTIAL Havens for Nature: Supporting Biodiversity in Faith Grounds Online Talk Tickets, Monday 17 August • 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM | Eventbrite
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Online
Email:mbolger@heritagecouncil.ie
MONDAY 17th AUGUST, 9.30am – 4pm ne
Whistlestop Tour of some of Cavan’s Historic Graveyards
Cavan Historic Graveyards Network established by Cavan Heritage Office in 2017 is supported by the Heritage Council continues to grow from strength to strength.
The Heritage Office is pleased to be working with the network in organising a wonderful event as part of Heritage Week which promotes the networks philosophy based on shared learning and experiences.
We are inviting people and groups to join us on a whistlestop bus tour of historic graveyards in East Cavan, including Kill Graveyard, Drumgoon Historic Graveyard, Bailieborough Old Graveyard and Moybologue Historic Graveyard.
A bus will depart Cavan Courthouse at 9.30am and return at approximately 4.00 pm. Refreshments and light lunch will be provided.
Due to limited spaces booking is essential - email: cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie FREE
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Bus leaves Cavan Courthouse, Farnham Street, Cavan H12 E0V3
Email:cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 43786007
TUESDAY 18th AUGUST, 10am – 12pm ne
Ireland’s Tiny Treasures: Native Bees & Pollinators Children’s Workshop
Explore one of Ireland’s most important natural treasures—our native bees and pollinators. In this fun and interactive two-hour workshop, children aged 8–12 will discover the fascinating lives of Ireland’s Native Irish Honeybees, learn all about the role of microbiomes with MicroBuddiez and making their own Pollinator Crazy Crown with the Bailieborough Creative Hub while exploring the important role pollinators play in our lives. The Bee Barn also features a glass ‘Observation Hive’ where children can see bees at work up close behind the safety of a glass case.
A perfect event for curious young nature enthusiasts!
Parents are required to stay for the duration of the workshop. Refreshments. FREE. Booking Essential via booking link Ireland's Tiny Treasures: Native Bees & Pollinators Children's Workshop - The Bee Barn
Organiser: The Bee Barn
Venue: The Bee Barn, Lough Sheelin, Co Cavan, A82 F9F9
Email: thebeebarn00@gmail.com / Telephone: 086 894 0228
THURSDAY 18th AUGUST, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Bracelet Weaving Workshop
Weaving is an age old craft and this workshop is a nice introduction to the process. In this workshop you will use the Japanese method of Kumihimo to weave a seven strand braid using you own choice of coloured yarn.
This workshop is suitable for children age 7 to 12 years, you will be shown the entire process of how to create your own woven bracelet. Come along with your friends or siblings and enjoy a fun creative afternoon. Enjoy a drink and some home baking when we finish. Parents or guardians are asked to ensure that we have full contact details when children are dropped to this workshop. Booking Essential Heritage Week Kids Bracelet Weaving Workshop – Crafts of Ireland FREE
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Crafts of Ireland, Cnoc na Fia, Knockaveagh, Virginia, Co Cavan
Email: info@craftsofireland.ie / Telephone: 086 820 5177
TUESDAY 18th AUGUST, 10am – 3pm
Heritage at Risk – Wild Child in the Wild
Help your kids love nature! Play games, learn bushcraft skills and connect with new friends!
They will explore how to live in the wild – from mastering old skills like fire-making to constructing cosy dens, our hands-on sessions inspire young adventurers to connect with nature in a modern yet meaningful way.
Please ensure they are wearing suitable warm waterproof clothing and footwear suitable for rough fields and woodlands terrain. Lunch is provided but don’t forget to bring some snacks for your trip! FREE. Booking essential via booking link Wild Child in the Wild: Old Skills for a New Generation - A National Heritage Week Event🌳 - Cavan Adventure Centre
Organiser: Cavan Adventure Centre
Venue: Cavan Adventure Centre, Inishmore, Butlersbridge, Co Cavan H12CD43
Email:info@cavanadventure.ie / Telephone: 049 4893630
TUESDAY 18th AUGUST, 11am – 1pm ne
Cavan Storybank
Cavan Story Bank is an exciting Oral History Recording Project which began in 2025. Cavan County Heritage Office continues to build on its success and we are delighted to be undertaking a Heritage Week event which involves group recordings as part of Cavan Story Bank in the wonderful ambiance of Carrig Gardens, Mountnugent.
Join us for a wonderful morning of recording stories and memories which have shaped communities throughout the county.
Refreshments served. FREE
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Carrig Garden Centre, Mountnugent, Co Cavan A82 DN34
Email: cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 4378600
TUESDAY 18th AUGUST, 7pm - 8pm ne
The Traditional Field Gates of Shercock – looking back to look forward
Come along and learn about the traditional field gates of Shercock, in east Cavan. The evening will present findings from the survey conducted in 2025 with an emphasis this year on recording the stories and memories associated with this important piece of our artistic, cultural and built heritage.
On the evening you will also learn about the next steps of this project, including how we will work with a blacksmith to restore a traditional field gate. This aspect of the project aligns with this year's Heritage Week theme of 'Heritage at Risk' and illustrates the proactive steps were have taken, and continue to take, to ensure our cultural, artistic and built heritage is safeguarded for years to come. FREE
Organiser: Shercock Tidy Towns
Venue: St Patrick’s Hall, Main Street, Shercock, Co. Cavan, A81 K062
Email: shercocktidytowns@outlook.com / Telephone: 087 964 4152
TUESDAY 18st AUGUST, 6pm – 8pm
Colouring Competition & Traditional paper crafts class
We are holding a colouring competition with heritage of Knockbride which consists of an under 8s and over 8s winner we will supply a picture of the old mill in Canningstown and different local historical images for children to colour in and promote heritage and we are hosting a traditional paper crafts class in Tunnyduff Hall on Tuesday 18th of August at 6pm.
Where we will have two ladies invited from the craft group and open for children aged 4-12. We will be creating paper hedgehogs. ADMISSION FEE
Organiser: West Knockbride Parents Association
Venue: Tunnyduff Hall, Tunnyduff, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan.
Email:westknockbrideparentsa@gmail.com / Telephone: 086 4522516
TUESDAY 18st AUGUST, 2.30pm – 3.30pm
All About Bats
Join the staff in Bailieborough Library for their children's Bio-Diversity afternoon event to mark Heritage Week 2026. Events will include a storytime and a craft session for children. No booking required for either event. FREE
Organiser: Cavan County Library Service
Venue: Bailieborough Library, Market Square, Bailieborough A82 RH73
Email: library@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 4378500
TUESDAY 18st AUGUST, 11am – 12.15pm
‘Mammy had one of those’
A reminiscience of bygone days and memories of long gone treasures that Mammy had, from the good china to the iron on the stove. FREE
Organiser: Cootehill Library
Venue: Cootehill Library, Bridge Street, Cootehill, Co Cavan H16 KA02
Email: library@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 555 9873
WEDNESDAY 19th AUGUST, 8pm - 10pm ne
Echoes in the Night: A Bat Walk & Talk
Join Dr Tina Aughney for an informative evening on Bats at Corravahan House & Gardens.
Tina will give a short talk on bats, followed by a dusk walk around the gardens and pond, watching and listening for bats.
Please wear suitable footwear and attire. FREE. Booking is essential - please email : cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Corravahan House, Drung, Co. Cavan H12 D860
Email: cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 -4378600
WEDNESDAY 19th AUGUST, 11am – 1pm
Celebrating Cavan Golden Ways
A celebration of Cavan's Golden Ways is an exciting event where local golden communities will gather to showcase and exhibit the beauty and heritage along their golden ways. Golden Way communities have engaged in a creative collaboration between Cavan Heritage Office, Cavan Creatives and Golden Way Communities to respond to the heritage along their golden ways. Artwork and poetry will be exhibited at the event along with story telling, poetry and music, ending with refreshments. FREE
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Kilmore Cathedral Parochial Hall, Kilmore Upper, H12 FK10
Email: cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 -4378600
WEDNESDAY 19th AUGUST, 8pm – 9.45pm
Templeport Treasures by Oliver Brady
Templeport Treasures is a fascinating talk by local historian Oliver Brady that delves into the rich archaeological heritage of Templeport and its surrounding townlands. Featuring both celebrated discoveries and hidden gems, the presentation will reveal the stories behind remarkable artefacts, ancient sites and lesser-known finds that help illuminate the area's long and diverse history. FREE
Organiser: Templeport Development Association
Venue: Templeport Resource Centre, Cloneary, Bawnboy, Co Cavan H14 YX29
Email: info@templeport.ie / Telephone: 087 4115718
WEDNESDAY 19th AUGUST, 12pm – 1pm
Webinar: The Al Ireland-Pollinator Plan 2026-2030: What’s new and how to get involved
Join us for a free lunchtime webinar with All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Programme Manager, Dr Sarah Larragy, to explore the next phase of the AIPP (2026–2030) and hear about the plans for the next five years.
We'll introduce the Plan's vision and priorities, highlighting it's 10 work packages which bring together actions across sectors including farmland, public land, transport networks, communities, businesses and researchers. You'll also hear about how the Plan's 50 strategic aims and 75 success metrics will help guide and measure progress towards an island where pollinators can survive and thrive.
Whether you're already involved in biodiversity initiatives or looking to get started, this webinar will show how the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan provides practical tools, resources, and inspiration to help everyone play a part in protecting pollinating insects. Find out how you can get involved and help turn individual actions into lasting, landscape-scale change for pollinators across the island of Ireland. BOOKING ESSENTIAL Select tickets – Webinar: The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026-2030: What's new and how to get involved – Microsoft Teams FREE
Organiser: National Biodiversity Data Centre
Venue: Online
Email: info@biodiversityireland.ie
WEDNESDAY 19th AUGUST, 2pm – 5pm
Local Studies Clinic
Johnston Central Library will be hosting a “Local Studies Clinic”. People who are interested in local heritage can make an appointment to meet with Jonathan Smyth for a twenty-minute session. Jonathan’s knowledge of local history in Cavan is legendary, and this is a wonderful opportunity to learn a little from his vast scholarship. This clinic will run every Wednesday from 2.00 until 5.00pm. To make an appointment, please contact the library at 049 437 8500. FREE
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Johnston Central Library, Farnham St, Cavan H12 A3T1
Email: cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 4378600
THURSDAY 20th AUGUST, 2pm – 5pm
Afternoon Tea & Needle Felted Pictures
Sadly Irish wool use is in decline and no longer considered a valuable raw material for use in textile industry. In this workshop you will use our own wool from our native Irish rare breed sheep that we have washed and dyed specifically to use for this craft. We will begin with enjoying all the delights of a home baked afternoon tea served with vintage china, Newbridge cutlery and our best linen in our quirky cafe and then create your unique needle felted picture. In the afternoon workshop you will learn how to master the art of wool painting using wool from our own sheep that graze our farm. This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners and you will be shown the entire process of how to create your own landscape picture.
Come along with your friends or family and enjoy a fun creative afternoon. Price includes refreshments and the materials to create your own masterpiece. We can cater for special dietary requirements but need to be notified when booking. Booking Essential Heritage Week Afternoon Tea and Needle Felted Pictures – Crafts of Ireland FREE
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Crafts of Ireland, Cnoc na Fia, Knockaveagh, Virginia, Co Cavan
Email: info@craftsofireland.ie / Telephone: 086 820 5177
THURSDAY 20th AUGUST, 7pm - 10pm
The Art of Conversation
Gallonray House is opening its doors and inviting people and groups in the surrounding areas for a night of conversation, there will be refreshments served and music to entertain afterwards. Everyone is welcome. ENTRY FEE
Organiser: Drumgoon Community Centre Co-Operative Society Limited
Venue: Gallonray House, Gallonreagh, Co Cavan H16 X409
Email: office@gallonrayhouse.com / Telephone: 086 392 4636
THURSDAY 20th AUGUST, 7pm - 9pm
Grow Trees from Seed
Learn how to collect and grow native seeds with Bloom Winner, Barry Kavanagh.
Barry will share his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in seed collection, propagation and cultivation.
Come along, learn from one of Ireland's leading horticultural experts, and take the first steps towards growing a richer, more biodiverse future. FREE
Booking is essential, email cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Ballinagh Community Centre, Ballinagh, Co Cavan H12 V8X5
Email: cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 4378600
THURSDAY 20th AUGUST, 7pm – 8.15pm
Stories from the Stones in Bailieborough’s Oldest Graveyard
Join Bailieborough Heritage Society and step back in time to hear some of the stories of the people buried in the Old Church of Ireland Graveyard.
The public will be invited to share their stories of those buried there. This church and graveyard is 'Heritage at Risk' and the collected stories will add to the history of the site. Refreshments will be served.
The stories and photographs will remain on display until 27th August.
If you have family buried in the old graveyard and would like to have their story included, please email us at bailieboroughheritagesociety@gmail.com.
For opening hours, please check https://www.cavanlibrary.ie/using-your-library/library-branches/bailieborough-library/. FREE
Organiser: Bailieborough Heritage Society
Venue: Bailieborough Library, Market Square, Bailieborough A82 RH73
Email: Bailieboroughheritagesociety@gmail.com / Telephone: 087 2244159
THURSDAY 20th AUGUST, 6.30pm – 8pm
Banshees, Omens and Old Ways: Exploring Records from Cavan Folklore
Drop in to Johnston Central library to view sources from the library's valuable local studies collection, as well as exploring records from the School's Folklore Collection. The local studies librarian will be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance. FREE
Organiser: Cavan Heritage Office
Venue: Johnston Central Library, Farnham St, Cavan H12 A3T1
Email: cavanheritage@cavancoco.ie / Telephone: 049 4378600