Westmeath heritage projects in line for national awards
Heritage groups, community organisations and individuals across Westmeath are being urged to put forward nominations for the 2026 National Heritage Week Awards, following the county’s biggest-ever programme of events.
Nominations opened this week for the awards, which aim to recognise outstanding heritage projects and events held during National Heritage Week.
A County Award will be presented in each local authority area, with the Westmeath winner selected based on the impact an event or project had in raising awareness of heritage, how effectively it was promoted and the extent to which it involved the local community.
A total of 76 events took place across Westmeath during National Heritage Week this year, which ran from August 15 to 23.
Nationally, the 2026 programme was the largest in the history of National Heritage Week, with more than 2,600 events taking place around the country.
The theme for this year was Heritage at Risk, encouraging communities to explore and highlight built, natural and cultural heritage which is under threat. Heritage Open Doors also expanded nationwide, while Wild Child Day and Water Heritage Day returned as major features of the programme.
Last year's Westmeath County Award was won by Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns for its Old Fair Day on the Green event.
As well as the county awards, organisers can nominate projects across a number of national categories, including Heritage at Risk, Wild Child, Water Heritage Day, Inclusive Heritage, Irish Language, Sustainability and Climate, and Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The prestigious Heritage Hero Award is also open for nominations. It recognises an individual or organisation which has made an outstanding long-term contribution to protecting and promoting Ireland's heritage and is regarded as a lifetime achievement award.
Westmeath County Council Heritage Officer Melanie McQuade said the county's programme demonstrated the enthusiasm of local communities for their heritage.
“National Heritage Week is only possible because of the enthusiasm and dedication of local communities,” she said.
She added that the Westmeath programme reflected the pride people have in their local places, stories and traditions, and encouraged people to nominate events and organisers which had made an impression on them.
Heritage Council Chief Executive Virginia Teehan said the awards provided an opportunity to recognise communities and individuals who bring Ireland's heritage to life.
Nominations close on Tuesday, September 15, with the awards ceremony due to take place at the Grand Hall, RDS, Dublin, on October 29.
Organisers can submit details of their projects, including photographs where available, while members of the public are also encouraged to nominate events and individuals they believe deserve recognition.
Nominations can be made at: https://www.heritageweek.ie/awards