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The Hunt Museum offers a stellar line up of events for National Heritage Week 2026

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A programme of free events will take place across Limerick city and county from 15 to 23 August for National Heritage Week 2026

Public Invited to Explore and Protect Limerick’s Heritage During National Heritage Week 2026

National Heritage Week 2026 invites people to discover local traditions, skills, landscapes, historic places and shared stories
National Heritage Week 2026 invites people to discover local traditions, skills, landscapes, historic places and shared stories

A programme of free events will take place across Limerick city and county from 15 to 23 August as National Heritage Week 2026 invites people to discover local traditions, skills, landscapes, historic places and shared stories.

This year’s theme, “Heritage at Risk”, highlights the importance of identifying, protecting and conserving the heritage that shapes communities and local identities.

Events in Limerick throughout the week will explore a wide range of topics including traditional crafts, conservation skills, folklore, music, architecture, biodiversity, local history and storytelling.


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This year's theme, "Heritage at Risk", highlights the importance of identifying, protecting and conserving the heritage that shapes communities and local identities.
This year’s theme, “Heritage at Risk”, highlights the importance of identifying, protecting and conserving the heritage that shapes communities and local identities

Taking place in communities across Limerick, the programme offers opportunities for people of all ages to learn more about the county’s natural, built and cultural legacy.

National Heritage Week, coordinated by The Heritage Council, brings together communities, organisations and heritage enthusiasts across Ireland to celebrate and promote the value of heritage.

National Heritage Week offers an opportunity to celebrate what has been handed down through generations, and to consider how it can be protected and preserved for the future.

National Heritage Week 2026 listings are available here.

National Heritage Week offers an opportunity to celebrate what has been handed down through generations, and to consider how it can be protected and preserved for the future. Picture by Kieran Ryan-Benson
National Heritage Week 2026 offers an opportunity to celebrate what has been handed down through generations, and to consider how it can be protected and preserved for the future. Picture by Kieran Ryan-Benson

Celebrate Heritage Week at the Hunt Museum with a diverse programme of free workshops, talks, tours and family activities exploring archaeology, traditional crafts, medicinal plants, folklore and the stories that connect us to our shared heritage.

Whether you’re discovering Ireland’s past through archaeology, creating your own clay vessel inspired by the museum’s collection, or exploring the healing traditions of medicinal plants, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Advance booking is recommended for all events as places are limited.

HERITAGE WEEK AT THE HUNT MUSEUM

Discover Archaeology! A Children’s Lecture
Friday, 21 August | 2–3.15pm


Join archaeologist Elaine Lynch for an exciting introduction to the world of archaeology. Discover what happens during an archaeological excavation, learn about fascinating artefacts uncovered across Ireland, and explore sites from different periods of Irish history.
You’ll see real excavation photographs, including images of archaeological excavations and human skeletons, while learning how archaeologists piece together stories from the past. (Please note that this talk includes images of human remains.)After the talk, young explorers will create their own medieval clay tile using traditional moulds and clay to take home.
Perfect for curious children who love history, discovery and getting hands-on.Location: The Captain’s Room & Education Wing Book Now! 

Sensory Tour of the Collection
Wednesday, 19 August | 11.30am & Saturday, 22 August | 2pm

Experience the Hunt Museum’s collection through sight, sound, touch and scent on this specially designed sensory tour.
Co-created through the Inclusive Museum Project, this guided experience encourages visitors to engage with selected collection objects using tactile resources, audio recordings and carefully curated scent experiences.
Sensory supports, including fidget tools and ear defenders, are available to borrow from the Museum’s Accommodation Station in Reception.
Location: Permanent Collection Galleries
Suitable for: Neurodiverse visitors
Admission: FREE (booking recommended) Book Now! 

Botanical Drawing in the Garden
Wednesday, 19 August | 2–4pm

Slow down and reconnect with nature in this relaxing botanical drawing workshop.Participants will learn simple observational drawing techniques while exploring the beauty of plants through botanical illustration in the peaceful surroundings of the museum garden.No previous drawing experience is required.
Location: Multi-Function Room & Garden
Suitable for: Ages 14+
Admission: FREE Book Now! 

Clay Vessels Workshop
Thursday, 20 August | 2–4pm

Inspired by the Hunt Museum’s beautiful collection of majolica pharmacy jugs, this hands-on ceramics workshop introduces participants to the traditional technique of coil-building.
Drawing inspiration from still-life arrangements and living specimens from the museum garden, participants will create their own decorative clay vessel while learning about the history, purpose and craftsmanship of these fascinating historical objects.
Location: Multi-Function Room
Suitable for: Ages 14+
Admission: FREE Book Now! 

From Garden to Remedy
Saturday, 22 August | 11am

Discover the rich heritage and folklore of traditional medicinal plants in this hands-on gardening workshop.
Learn about sustainable growing practices and explore the stories behind plants such as chamomile, lavender, yarrow and elderberry, species that have been valued for generations for both their practical uses and cultural significance.
Participants will leave with practical gardening skills, plant starts to grow at home and a deeper appreciation for the living heritage rooted in gardens across Ireland and beyond.No gardening experience is necessary.
Location: Education Wing & Garden
Suitable for: Ages 14+
Admission: FREE Book Now! 

Hair-Related Cultural Traditions in Irish Folklore
Thursday, 20 August | 7.00pm

Join historian Clodagh Tait for an engaging evening exploring the cultural traditions, beliefs and folklore surrounding hair in Irish society.From customs and superstitions to symbolism and identity, this fascinating talk examines the many ways hair has featured in Irish tradition and what these stories reveal about everyday life, belief and community across generations.
Location: The Captain’s Room
Suitable for: Adults
Admission: €6.50 Learn More! 

National Heritage Week 2026 at hunt museum
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Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.