National Heritage Week celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage. It brings together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts.
Organised by the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week takes place from Saturday August 16th to Sunday August 24th. Here are some exciting events taking place in Cork over the course of this year’s Heritage Week and a special 20th anniversary of Cork Heritage Open Day on Saturday, August 16th.
CIFF is very grateful to have received support from the Cork City Council Local Community Heritage Grant Scheme for our 70th Festival: look out for our programme this autumn for exciting film heritage activities!
Behind the Scenes Tour at The Everyman
When? Saturday, August 16th, 11am – 12pm
Where? The Everyman, 15 MacCurtain Street, Cork City
Join our friends at The Everyman as the history of the Everyman theatre is brought to life!
The tour guide actors will lead you through the fascinating stories of our beautiful theatre. As you peek behind the curtain you will experience the backstage world of Cork’s original Palace of Varieties, established in 1897. The Everyman theatre is a listed building and a unique jewel in the crown of Cork’s Victorian Quarter.
More info here
Archival Material Zine Making Workshop
When? Tuesday, August 19th, 3pm – 4pm
Where? Library Seminar Room, The Boole Library, University College Cork
As part of this year’s National Heritage Week please join artist Elize de Beer in UCC’s Boole Library for an afternoon zine making workshop. In the workshop participants will be shown how to fold a zine and engage with images from the Liam Kennedy Photographic Collection, housed in Special Collections and Archives, to create their own archive-based zine.
More info here
200 Years of Distilling Tradition: Celebrating Midleton Distillery, 1825–2025
When? Thursday, August 21st, 6:15pm – 7:30pm
Where? Midleton Distillery Experience, Distillery Walk, Midleton, Cork
Join Carol Quinn for an illustrated talk that brings to life the rich history of Midleton Distillery. Discover the story of the Murphy family, founders of the distillery, and explore the evolution of the site over two centuries – culminating in its recognition in 2025 as the world’s most internationally awarded distillery. Join us at 6:15pm for a complimentary drink on arrival . Over 18s only.
More info here
“Finding Bridget” Preview
When? Thursday, August 21st, 11am – 1pm
Where? Triskel Arts Centre, Tobin Street, Cork
Join Cork Traveller Visibility Group at Triskel for the preview of their new short film, Finding Bridget, on the significance of the name Brigid in Traveller culture, its links to St Brigid and worship at St Brigid’s wells.
More info here
Exhibition: Cork Rocks for Rory
When? Saturday, August 16th and from Monday to Saturday, August 18th-23rd, 10am – 5:30pm
Where? Rory Gallagher Music Library, The City Library, Grand Parade, Cork
A celebration of all things Rory Gallagher, we will have a series of exhibition boards that will portray Rory’s life from the early years on and a display of his much-loved crime novels. Cork City library will also host an exhibition of images from the 2 graphic novels featuring Rory, Kickback City and Prince Valiant.
More info here
Archives Drop-in at Nano Nagle Place
When? Saturday, August 16th, 12pm – 4pm
Where? Tea Room, Nano Nagle Place, Nano Nagle Place, South Presentation Centre
Step into the past with a rare opportunity to explore artefacts from the Presentation Sisters Congregational Archives. Drop in to view historical objects and discover more about the legacy of the Presentation Sisters in this informal, engaging session.
More info here
Tour of Cork City Centre
When? Sunday, August 17th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Where? National Monument, Grand Parade, Cork
Walking tour-Cork Through the Ages. An Introduction to the Historical Development of Cork City with local historian, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy. This is a free event and will last approximately 2 hours.
More info here
With nearly 300 events in Cork city and county alone, there will be plenty to do for everyone this National Heritage Week. More info on all the events this year here.
Discover Cork city’s past: the 20th anniversary Cork Heritage Open Day
Cork Heritage Open Day, which takes place on Saturday, August 16th, celebrates the amazing architecture and history of the built heritage in Cork city and sees over 35 buildings open their doors free of charge for one day only. This is the only event of this size and scale happening in the country and includes walks, talks and exhibitions on our rich heritage throughout the city.
This year Cork Heritage Open Day is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Initially an event for European Capital of Culture in 2005, it has gone from strength to strength and is a testament to how much Cork people love their city and its magnificent heritage.
Several buildings are taking part in Cork Heritage Open Day for the first time this year including the Cork Butter Museum which was the largest Cork Butter Exchange in the world in the 1800’s, Cork’s YMCA on Malboro Street which dates back to 1886, St Luke’s Church in Douglas which was consecrated in 1875 and the Firemen’s Rest on Anglesea Street which was created in 1892 and has stood through many historical events in the city including the Burning of Cork.
Cork Heritage Open Day is a unique opportunity to explore buildings which are not routinely open to the public or charges a fee such as Quaker Meeting House, Military Museum Collins Barracks, Heineken Ireland, Riverstown House, Cork Baptist Church and the North Monastery. The Cork Opera House which is celebrating its 170th anniversary will host a guided tour as will the Everyman whose tour will be ISL Interpreted by Ray Greene. Guided tours will also take place in English and in Irish in AIB 66 South Mall and in the Lord Mayor’s Office and Council Chamber. A work in progress event will take place in Civic Trust House offering insight into a new project exploring the history of 50 Pope’s Quay and its neighbourhood.
The programme includes a wide range of family friendly events and it is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the people and the history of Cork.
While all events are free of charge, some events must be booked in advance. See www.corkheritageopenday.ie for list of all the events.
Cork Heritage Open Day is organised by Cork City Council as part of Heritage Week in partnership with the Heritage Council and is proudly supported by media sponsors the Echo. Cork Heritage Open Day marks the start of Cork city events for National Heritage Week, running from 16th to 26th of August. For a full list of events see http://corkheritageopenday.ie or pick up a brochure at Cork City Libraries or Cork City Tourist Information Office.
