Almost 70 events in store for Westmeath as part of National Heritage Week
National Heritage Week 2026 runs from August 15 to August 23 and the theme this year is ‘Heritage at Risk’. There is a huge variety of events that portray the incredible tapestry that is Westmeath, and this is just a sample. There are free event guides available from the library service and details are online at heritageweek.ie (filter the search by county).
Artist Lily Bernard is asking people to join her on a walk that combines nature sketching, ecology and biodiversity knowledge. Taking place in the historic Belvedere House attendees will have the chance to learn to identify Irish Native and horticultural plants that compose the county’s heritage through artistic observation using handmade tools and inks crafted from plants and minerals. Participants are advised to wear clothes adapted to weather, walking and paint stains. Light refreshments will be provided. Those interested can book their spot for free by emailing biodiversity@westmeathcoco.ie.
The North Westmeath Historical Society have announced details of the events they are holding as part of Heritage Week.
On Saturday, August 15, at 8pm, Claudia Marl will deliver a talk on Barbavilla House in Collinstown Hall. Bill Ryan will present a talk on The Webbs of Hilltown in Castlepollard Men’s Shed on Tuesday, August 18, at 8pm. On Wednesday, August 19, at 3pm, there will be a guided tour of Loughpark House and its gardens, courtesy of owner Maureen O’Flanagan. All are welcome.
BMB Active present the history of the lifesize Outdoor Stations of the Cross at the Franciscan Friary, Multyfarnham with recordings by Adrian Roche, oral historian, on Tuesday August 18, 2-4pm, at Multyfarnham Community Centre (N91 AX5A). Speakers include BMB Active members, as well as Mr Roche, Melanie McQuade (heritage officer, Westmeath County Council) and Peter Wallace (local historian). Further information from BMB Active Multyfarnham via 087 172 3256 and activeretirementbmb@gmail.com.
The Big Dig is returning to the Hill of Uisneach. The children’s archaeological dig allows children to learn the skills of archaeological excavation and discover hidden artefacts. There will also be a screening of a new animated film based on the excavation of the Hill of Uisneach from one hundred years ago. Book at eventbrite.ie.
The Hill of Uisneach Visitor Centre invites the public to join them on a unique ramble through some of the most historic lands of Westmeath. The tour is set to begin at the centre and will follow the farm tracks over the hill of Uisneach to Washford, 5k in total. The tour will highlight scenes from Cath for Gárlg agus Irgárlg, the tumultuous mythic battle of Táin Bó Cúailnge. From Washford, the procession will travel by coach to view Clare Hill, also featured in Táin Bó Cúailnge, and from there to Ballymore. The march will conclude with a 1.5k walk to Lough Sewdy to view some natural and historic features in the environs of the lake. Book at eventbrite.
Join Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society for a guided tour of Carn Famine Village, on the summit of Carn Hill, opposite the historic Hill of Uisneach. The tour will give the public the chance to explore the ruins of the stone houses which housed this rural community until the dramatic events which unfolded there during the Great Hunger. Attendees will walk along the still extant holloways which connected the settlement to the resources available on the hill and surrounding community. Field trip led by historian Seamus O’Brien, author of Carn, Killare, a forgotten Westmeath famine village. Mobile for information 0876443742 or 0872658138.
Historian Ruth Illingworth will be hosting a walking tour of Old Mullingar in which she will guide visitors through the town’s historic sites. The town of Mullingar is more than 800 years old and people have lived in the area for at least six millennia. The tour will explore the story of Mullingar and the town’s medieval monasteries, castle, and cathedral. For further information contact Ruth at ruthillingworthmullingar@gmail.com.
Kilbeggan Town Team invites you to take a walk along the town’s main street and discover those who lived in up to 40 households in 1926. People will get the chance to follow their journey through a series of illustrated plaques on Main Street, provided by the Kilbeggan Town Team and in collaboration with the current residents of each home. Each plaque tells the story of the families who once called these homes their own. The event includes a short introduction to the project and concludes with an opportunity to reflect, share memories and celebrate Kilbeggan’s rich history. For further information email kilbeggantownteam@gmail.com.
An Seanbhóthar Farm is hosting a workshop that aims to preserve traditional crafts in Ireland. Demonstrations of leatherwork, woodcarving and basketmaking by the Irish Heritage Crafts Co-op. Following the demonstration guests will have the opportunity to participate in a free workshop in each discipline. Passing skills from practiced hands to a new generation of potential craft artisans will help keep the heritage crafts alive. These crafts will include: Crafting a wooden spatula; Weaving a willow tray; Crafting a leather bracelet key chain. The workshop is free however booking is essential. Book here at irishheritagecraftscoop@proton.me.
A pop-up exploration hub with local anglers and catchment scientists is taking place at Tudenham Shores of Lough Ennell. It aims to explore the connections the lake has with its surrounding landscape. The anglers will share stories about fishing, restoration of important trout spawning habitat and the heritage of fishing on the lake, one of the last European brown trout fisheries. Water quality and habitat loss are, however, concerns. Lake and Land is a new community effort to care for the lake through stewardship and collaboration. Register at lakeandland.ie.
The second Tyrrellspass Olde Fayre Day takes place Sunday August 23 (1-5pm). A relaxed and fun community day, it has something for everyone, including their main attraction: steam threshing machines. The day will also see beekeeping, butter churning,crocheting, basket making, scything and more. Live music will be provided, dancing, excellent food, local craft stalls, kids zone, face painting and lots more. The Fayre was named Westmeath Heritage Week Event in 2025. Organisers ask that visitors park at the GAA pavilion, Eircode N91FND3.
Westmeath Libraries present a small exhibition focusing on the history of folklore preservation, through the Irish Folklore Commission and the Schools Collection. The exhibition honours the Heritage Week theme through an organisation that was at the vanguard of safeguarding beliefs, legends, customs and stories that are a part of the national identity. The display details its beginning in the Gaelic Revival context, important personalities in its histories, and unexpected international connections which helped shape its methodologies. With local Westmeath samples from the invaluable School’s Collection 1937-1939, we hope this exhibition will highlight the organisation’s vital work in preserving the culture.
James Ham is hosting a guided walk on his farm exploring the theme Heritage at Risk, through hedgerows and natural heritage. The walk will explore the value of nature and hedgerows as part of natural and cultural heritage, the threats they face and the importance of their protection and management for biodiversity, climate resilience and landscape character. This event is supported by Hedgerows Ireland and funded by the Heritage Council and Westmeath County Council. James advises attendees to wear suitable footwear is essential, no dogs are permitted and children must be accompanied by an adult. Light refreshments will be provided. Book at eventbrite.
Damian Murtagh, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) conservation ranger, recreational cyclist and field botany enthusiast, is hosting a guided botanical bike ride along the Streamstown Greenway. Participants will have the chance to discover wildflowers, pollinators and the hidden biodiversity treasures of the trail while learning how to identify some of the native plants, habitats and species along the route. Cyclists will explore the rich natural heritage of the Greenway and provide an opportunity to learn more about the ecology and biodiversity of this unique landscape. Approximately three hours are allocated for the cycle and stop-offs. Attendees are asked to bring their own bicycles and if you have them, a hand lens and camera to help explore and record the species you encounter. Cyclists are also encouraged to bring water and wear suitable clothing for cycling and all weather conditions. It’s advised that the event is suitable for competent cyclists only, and booking is essential, at eventbrite.