14/08/2026
🌿 National Heritage Week 2026 – plenty happening on our doorstep! 🌿
With National Heritage Week running from 15th–23rd August, I had a look through the programme to see what's happening around our area — and there is a fantastic variety of events within easy reach of Castlerahan.
I've picked out just a few examples, rather than attempting to list everything:
🎨 ART & CULTURE – Lough Sheelin: History & Mystery through Art, Music & Film
📍 Cavan County Museum, Ballyjamesduff
🗓️ Saturday 22nd August, 3–4.15pm
A new exhibition telling the story and legend of Lough Sheelin through art, music, sound and film.
👉 https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/lough-sheelin-the-history-and-mystery-told-through-art-music-and-film
🏛️ HISTORY – Historic Walking Tour of Cavan Town
📍 Cavan Town
🗓️ Friday 21st August, 11am–12.30pm
A chance to see Cavan town through the eyes of its history and heritage.
👉 https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/p2?q=&where%5B%5D=cavan
🧺 TRADITIONAL CRAFT – Rush Basketmaking Workshop
📍 Belturbet
🗓️ Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th August, 10am–4pm
A hands-on opportunity to learn about the traditional craft of rush basketmaking.
👉 https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/p2?q=&where%5B%5D=cavan
🐝 NATURE & FAMILY – Ireland's Tiny Treasures: Native Bees & Pollinators
📍 The Bee Barn, Mullaghboy
🗓️ Tuesday 18th August, 10am–12 noon
A children's workshop exploring native bees and the important role they play in our natural heritage.
👉 https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/p7?eventFeatures%5B0%5D=specifically-an-event-for-children
🎶 MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT – Variety & Talent Night
📍 Moynalty
🗓️ Sunday 16th August, 8–10.30pm
A proper community night of local talent and entertainment — a nice change of pace from the more traditional heritage events!
💃 TRADITIONAL CULTURE – Céilí Dance Workshop
📍 Moynalty
🗓️ Thursday 20th August, 8–10pm
A chance to get involved rather than just watch — and perhaps rediscover a bit of our traditional dancing heritage!
📖 FAMILY / CREATIVE – Illuminated Letters: Celtic Art & the Book of Kells
📍 Oldcastle Library
🗓️ Wednesday 19th August, 2.30–4pm
A great one for children and families, exploring Celtic art and the tradition of illuminated manuscripts. There's also a session in Kells Library earlier that day.
👉 https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/p7?eventFeatures%5B0%5D=specifically-an-event-for-children
And that's really only scratching the surface! There are loads more events across Cavan and Meath, covering archaeology, local history, traditional skills, music, art, nature, storytelling, genealogy, family activities and much more.
👉 The best thing is to have a browse through the official National Heritage Week listings yourself:
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings
You can search by county, date, event type and even family-friendly/accessibility options, so there's a good chance you'll find something that suits you.
And aren't we lucky to have all of this happening on top of the Virginia Show next week! 🐄🐴🌾
It looks like it's going to be a brilliant week for getting out, supporting local communities and discovering a bit more about the history, culture and natural heritage that's right around us.
