National Heritage Week 2026 – Heritage At Risk
Dates: Saturday, 15th August – Sunday, 23rd August 2026
Newtownmountkennedy is a village steeped in history, from the ancient 7th-century ruins of Killadreenan Church to the storied walls of Woodstock House and the site of the 1798 Battle of Newtownmountkennedy.
This year, we invite the entire community to join us in celebrating and safeguarding this legacy during National Heritage Week
Explore Kiladreenan Church
Discover Altidore Castle
Site of 1798 Rebellion
2026 Theme: Heritage At Risk
This year’s national theme, “Heritage at Risk,” calls on us to look closely at the aspects of our built, natural, and cultural heritage that are under threat.
Whether it is the impact of climate change on our historic structures, the loss of traditional crafts like stonemasonry, or the fading of local oral histories, this theme is about more than just identifying danger: it is about reviving and reimagining how we protect these treasures for future generations.
In Newtownmountkennedy, we are lucky to be surrounded by incredible heritage, but these sites require our collective care. From the biodiversity of the Carriggower Bog to our local landmarks, we want to hear your ideas on how we can better preserve the unique character of our town.
Check out some of the Photos from the amazing Heritage Week of Events
There was a record-breaking number of events happening all over county Wicklow this year. There were 30 people in Newtown who attended the bat walk and talk led by ecologist Faith Wilson along the linear park. It was organised by the Natural Environment and Biodiversity sub-committee of the Town Team and Tidy Towns (shout out to Grace Kavanagh for doing the work behind the scenes!)
We spotted Soprano Pipistrelle and Leislers bats as well as hearing from Faith some incredible facts about one of our country’s smallest mammals.We had a similar number of enthusiastic people attend a tour of ReWild Wicklow’s native tree nursery in Newtown led by Adam on the Saturday. And there were still a load of other great events during Heritage week in Newtown which all had a great turnout and were a huge success. Well done to all the volunteers who have organised these events – its so important we introduce more people to the importance and magic of our natural and built Irish heritage!
Heritage Week in Newtownmountkennedy – as Gaeilge!
Den chéad uair ghlac muid páirt i Seachtain Náisiúnta na hOidhreachta. Bhí cúpla imeacht againn agus bhain muid an sult as!
Bhí turas bithéagsulacht le Éanna Ní Lamhna agus bhí sé thar a bheith suimiúil. Is dóigh go raibh gach éinne faoi dhraíocht Éanna agus chuir a lán daoine ceist uirthi. Ba ócáid trí Béarla le smeadar Gaeilge ann agus gach duine sásta leis.
Den triú uair threoraigh Aonghus Ó hAlmhain turas staire faoi Bhaile an Chinnéidigh. Agus sin an triú uair a rinne mé an turas seo agus mar foghlaimeoir Gaeilge bhí mé in ann níos mó a thuiscint agus d’fhoghlaim mé níos mó fós faoi Bhaile an Chinnéidigh. Tá fhios agam nach raibh Aonghus 100% ar an oíche, agus mar sin ba mhaith liom buíochas mór a thabhairt chuige as turas den scoth.
Ní neart go cur le chéile!
More great pictures – including the Babbling Creek !
Last Batch of Pictures from Heritage Week – thank you to all the hard working volunteers for a great week had by all!
Newtownmountkennedy Events Taking Place over and around Heritage Week
Every Day: Visit Altidore Castle. (Fee for booking). Tours taking place 2pm and 4pm
Contact: e4altidore@gmail.com
16th August: Workshop on Heritage at Risk and a Talk on the Legacy of the Kennedys. 2.30-5pm. Speakers and Therese Hicks and Rachel Dempsey
Click HERE to book
18th August: “Things that go Bump in the Night” Bat Walk and Talk, Lead by Faith Wilson, East Wicklow Rivers Trust 8:45pm-10:00pm; Parkview Hotel.
Click HERE to book
18th August: Historical walking tour of Newtownmountkennedy through Irish 7pm-8pm Parkview Hotel
Email ciorcalcomhrantmk@gmail.com to book
19th August: Caroline Tindal – A potted history of St. Matthew’s Church’ 8pm-9pm St. Matthew’s Church. Including light refreshments
Click HERE to book
20th August: Eanna Ni Lamhna; Nature walk and talk; 7:30pm to 8.30pm; Linear Park
Email ciorcalcomhrantmk@gmail.com to book
23rd August: Grace Garde – ‘The Babbling brook in a slow meandering river’ 11am-1pm Newtownmountkennedy Woods Car Park
Click HERE to book
Get Involved !!
Do you have a story to tell, a skill to share, or a local site you want to highlight?
National Heritage Week is a community-led festival, and we want Newtownmountkennedy to be at the heart of it. You can get involved by:
- Organising an Event: Host a guided walk, a history talk, or a traditional skills workshop.
- Digital Projects: Share old photographs, videos, or research about our town’s past online.
- Volunteering: Help us coordinate local activities to showcase our heritage.
Useful and helpful resources to get involved
To help you get started or to learn more about our national and local history, check out these resources:
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- Heritage Ireland: Explore managed heritage sites across the country for inspiration.
- National Heritage Week Official Website: The central hub for registering events and finding out what’s happening across Ireland.
- Organiser Resources & Branded Templates: Access posters, social media graphics, and planning guides to promote your local event.
- Wicklow County Council Heritage Office: Information on heritage grants and local conservation projects in County Wicklow.
- Wicklow Uplands Council – Newtownmountkennedy Profile: A fantastic deep-dive into the specific historical sites and geology of our village.
Let’s work together to ensure Newtownmountkennedy’s past has a vibrant future!