Heritage News and Events – May 2026

Heritage News – May 2026

 

National Built Heritage Service – Traditional Skills Training

Image Credit:  National Built Heritage Service

The National Built Heritage Service is running a series of one- and two-day traditional skills training events from March to May 2026. Led by conservation experts, the programme supports owners, contractors, and professionals working with traditionally built structures. It is especially valuable for those considering repair, reuse, or retrofit of vacant historic buildings. For more information on the events, including information on how to book a place, please click https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/national-built-heritage-service-traditional-skills-training-march-may-2026/

 

South Kilkenny Historical Society

The South Kilkenny Historical Society Programme continues in May with two engaging opportunities. On Saturday 23 May, the annual Coach Trip to Kilmallock, Co. Limerick departs Mullinavat at 8.30am, returning at approximately 10pm, with dinner in the Talbot Hotel, Clonmel. On Saturday 30 May, enjoy Songs of Our Place, a free songwriting workshop with Luan Parle, 10am–1pm, at Mullinavat Parish Hall. For further information email: edsynnott@yahoo.co.uk

 

 

Rothe House Exhibition

Rothe House 1966-2026: The Restoration’ charts the story of how Ireland’s only 16th-century merchant mansion was saved, becoming Kilkenny’s first dedicated visitor attraction. In the 1960s, members of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, led by Margaret Phelan, launched an ambitious campaign to save and restore the deteriorating Rothe House. At a time when restoration was rare, they raised funds locally, nationally, and internationally—receiving donations from figures like the Princess of Monaco and the Duchess of Westminster. Their efforts led to the first building reopening in 1966. A new exhibition now celebrates this ground-breaking 20th‑century restoration. The exhibition will open from Saturday, April 18th, running until the end of October. A programme of events to celebrate 60 years since the opening of the house will run throughout the summer.

 

Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm Monday 18th May 2026.You must apply online to this grant scheme. The Heritage Council, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, manages the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme. The scheme’s principal objective is to ensure that traditional farm buildings and other related structures that contribute to the character of the landscape and are of significant heritage value are conserved in active agricultural use.Other related structures such as walls, cobbled yard surfaces, walled orchards, dungsteads, millraces, gate pillars and gates. For more information see: https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/on-line-grants-system

Image Credit: Heritage Council

National Heritage Week – A Heritage Council Programme

 

Image Credit: Heritage Office

The Heritage Council invites event organisations to one of their free Training & Networking Days this May. This event is for anyone thinking of organising a National Heritage Week Event in 2026. This year there will be two online events. Dates as follows: Tuesday 5th May from 11am to 1pm and Wednesday 13th May 7pm to 9pm. If you are planning a National Heritage Week event or just interested in what it involves, be sure to join this workshop to learn from other event organisers and get inspiration for your event for 2026.  This year’s theme is “Heritage at Risk”. For further information please follow the link below: https://www.heritageweek.ie/news/announcing-the-national-heritage-week-2026-theme-and-dates

 

EU Presidency Cultural Programme, Kilkenny (2026)

Kilkenny County Council is seeking experienced practitioners for two temporary consultancy roles—Creative Producer and Programme Coordinator—to help develop and deliver a major cultural programme for Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026. The programme will showcase Kilkenny’s artistic, heritage and community life with a strong European focus. Quotations close on 1 May 2026 at 12 noon. Full details for each role, including scope of work, required experience, assessment criteria and submission requirements, are available in the Request for Quotation (RFQ) documents linked below: Applicants must submit the requested materials as a single PDF (maximum 5MB) by email, in line with the instructions outlined in each RFQ.

Kids Carnival at the Medieval Mile Museum

 Celebrate the arrival of summer together at the Kids Bealtaine Carnival at the Medieval Mile Museum, a joyful family event specially created for children aged 5 and up. Inspired by ancient seasonal traditions, this lively event brings together storytelling, crafts, music, games and movement in a fun and welcoming setting for young explorers.

https://www.medievalmilemuseum.ie/kids-bealtaine-carnival-at-the-museum/

 

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