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

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.

Newtownmountkennedy Events Taking Place over and around Heritage Week

• Cuppa for Climate: Organised by Nebiott. More Info to follow
• Dawn Chorus With a Twist: Organised by Nebiott. More Info to follow
• World BEE Day: Organised by Nebiott. More Info to follow

** Nebiott is the Newtownmountkennedy Natural Environment and Biodiversity Town Team sub-group

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.

Important Deadline: If you are planning an in-person event and want it included in the printed local authority guides, please register it on the National Heritage Week portal by Monday, 6th July 2026.

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:

• 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!