Help shape the future of the Heritage Council’s Website
As a part of the Heritage Council website redevelopment project, they are conducting a short survey to better understand how you currently use the existing website and identify areas where improvements are most needed. Your experiences and insights will help ensure the new website is easy-to-use, effective, and able to meet the needs of all those using it. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. All responses will be confidential and used only to guide design and development decisions, you will find more information on kilkennyheritage.ie
February events in the Butler Gallery
This February, Butler Gallery offers a vibrant programme of events celebrating creativity, tradition, and contemporary art. Highlights include a Brigid’s Day Imbolg Celebration, marking the beginning of spring, alongside a Basket Weaving Course with Heike Kahle that explores traditional craft skills. Adults can also enjoy Monotype Printmaking, while photography enthusiasts won’t want to miss I Took a Hammer in My Hand, an exhibition by Jan McCullough. For full details and booking information, visit www.butlergallery.ie
| Kilkenny Archaeological Society
The Kilkenny Archaeological Society programme for 2026 is now available and includes a varied calendar of lectures, outings and social events, continuing their tradition of promoting interest in the archaeology and history of Kilkenny and the wider region. Lectures take place in Rothe House and cover topics ranging from archaeology and architecture to local history and Irish historical studies, presented by leading researchers and specialist speakers. The full programme is available to download here. |
Oral History Network Ireland
The Oral History Network Ireland will host a free event this coming February in Athlone. The theme of the event is Craft, Care and Community and it will take place Saturday 21st February 2026 from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Admission is free, participants are asked to register in advance to avoid disappointment. Registration is open to all on www.oralhistorynetworkireland.ie
SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
From January to April 2026, South Kilkenny Historical Society will host a varied lecture programme offering engaging insights into local and national heritage, politics, social history, and sport. Talks include A Kilkenny Man Looks Back by Liam Burke (29 January), Fianna Fáil: Its Foundation and Early Years by Éamon Ó Cuív (19 February), Caring in the Crossfire: Northern Ireland’s Health Service during the Troubles by Ruth Duffy (27 March), and Memories and Memorabilia: Telling GAA Stories through Objects by Siobhán Doyle (24 April). All lectures take place in the Parish Hall, Mullinavat (opposite St. Beacon’s Church), beginning at 8pm. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday, 6 February.
National Heritage Week 2026
National Heritage Week 2026 will take place from 15–23 August, offering a wide range of events celebrating Ireland’s rich heritage. Key highlights include Heritage Open Doors on 15–16 August, Wild Child Day on 22 August, and Water Heritage Day on 23 August. The 2026 theme, “Heritage at Risk,” focuses on the natural, built, and cultural heritage under threat across Ireland. Event organisers are encouraged to explore and share local stories of endangered habitats, traditions, and heritage sites, raising awareness and fostering community engagement in protecting what makes our heritage unique. You can read more about the theme here: https://www.heritageweek.ie/news/announcing-the-national-heritage-week-2026-theme-and-dates
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership is delighted to launch Voices for Heritage, a free training programme designed to support community heritage groups in building practical skills to document and share local heritage. Delivered by Abarta Heritage Consultants, the programme features a series of accessible modules covering local tour guide training, oral history collection techniques, digital audio and video recording, archiving best practice, and heritage mapping. Training will take place in public libraries across both north and south County Kilkenny, offering welcoming local venues that encourage learning and collaboration. An introductory story‑sharing session will be held in Mayfair Library on Saturday, 7 February from 11am–1pm, with further training modules rolled out throughout March and April at venues across the county. For further information contact Julie at Julie.Kavanagh@cklp.ie or 056 7752111A
