25/08/2026
🍀 Heritage Week 2026 is officially a wrap, and what fun did we have!
We kicked off with Ilen River Stories at Skibbereen Library, where community members gathered to share memories of the river that has shaped our town for generations. From trade to transport to fishing and swimming, the stories flowed as freely as the Ilen itself.
We ventured out after dark with NPWS ranger David Rees for a Guided Bat Walk along the river. Armed with bat detectors, we discovered just how much wildlife calls Skibbereen home after sunset. A magical experience for young and old alike.
We explored the natural heritage of our town that took us through our green spaces, showing where nature still thrives and what we can do to make Skibbereen even more nature-rich on our walk and talk.
All week long, Whispers from the Celtic Grove was on display in the Square. 9 listening posts representing native Irish trees. Scanning the QR codes brought this immersive art commission to life through sound, folklore, and field recordings. A beautiful addition to Heritage Week.
Huge thank you to everyone who came along, supported, shared stories, asked questions, and showed genuine enthusiasm for our heritage. Thank you to all our wonderful facilitators, Skibbereen Library, Heritage Centre, and Town Hall for hosting us.
Heritage Week reminds us that our natural heritage and cultural heritage are deeply connected- but the work does not stop here. Our Biodiversity survey is still open (link in bio- Green Skibbereen), and we need your voice! Our journey towards a nature-positive Skibbereen is just the beginning.