Heritage News & Events – April 2026

Heritage News – April 2026

 National Built Heritage Service – Traditional Skills Training

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/

Royal Irish Academy Nowlan Digitisation Grant Scheme Open

The RIA has opened applications for the Nowlan Digitisation Grant Scheme, supporting the digitisation of historical and archaeological sources or the updating of existing digital resources. The scheme aims to expand free online access to valuable research materials. Applicants must hold a PhD and be based in an eligible research institution. Grants of up to €10,000 are available. For further details see Here

 South Kilkenny Historical Society Lecture

Dr Siobhán Doyle will deliver a lecture titled: ‘Memories and Memorabilia: Telling GAA Stories through Objects’, Mullinavat Parish Hall, 8pm on Friday, April 24th. This talk explores how objects like GAA medals, jerseys and memorabilia tell powerful stories about Irish sporting history. Drawing on her book A History of the GAA in 100 Objects, curator Siobhán Doyle reflects on researching these objects, the challenges of object-based storytelling, and how everyday items can reveal remarkable cultural histories.

Upcoming events at Kilkenny Castle

OPW Kilkenny Castle is delighted to continue its collaboration with the Music in Kilkenny Concert Series, hosting a number of performances in the Parade Tower throughout the season. This month’s highlight is Vanbrugh & Friends on Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm. Alongside this, OPW Kilkenny Castle is pleased to present its popular Garden Talks as part of the Spring Programme 2026, running from 31 March to 5 May. Featuring a diverse range of expert speakers and topics, all talks take place in the Parade Tower, are free to attend, and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information see: https://www.kilkennycastle.ie/events/

The Finding Flemingstown Project

In March, archaeologists undertook a new survey in the parklands near Kilkenny Castle to try to locate Flemingstown — a long‑lost medieval settlement once home to a community of Flemish artisans in the early 1200s. Led by The Discovery Programme in partnership with the National Monuments Service and funded by the Castle Studies Trust, the team used geophysical survey techniques in the Dukesmeadow area to uncover clues about this unique settlement.  Early records suggest Flemingstown was home to weavers, millers and skilled craftspeople who may have come from Pembrokeshire or even directly from Flanders (modern‑day Belgium). Finding it would offer exciting new insights into the medieval landscape and early urban development of Kilkenny. Results from the survey will be shared with the local community once the analysis is complete.

 

Cuimhneamh an Chláir Oral History Mentoring Programme

Cuimhneamh an Chláir is offering the 4th edition of its free Nationwide Oral History Mentoring Programme for community and heritage groups from April to June 2026. The programme trains participants in interviewing, recording, editing, and presenting local oral histories, and provides free recording equipment for groups to keep. Participants will collect stories in their communities and present them at a public showcase during the Oral History Network of Ireland conference in Tralee in June.  Groups (not individuals) may apply by 14 April by emailing info@clarememories.ie  with details about their organisation, motivation, and proposed oral history project. Each group must send two members, and the programme is aimed at groups outside Co. Clare. Full details here: https://tinyurl.com/yv4wzfxj

 Trees and Bees – Lunchtime talk with Éanna Ní Lamhna

St Canice’s Cathedral are delighted to welcome Éanna ní Lamhna back to St Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower for an upcoming talk. Discover the fascinating connection between trees and pollinators in Trees and Bees. Éanna will explore the essential relationship between fruit trees and the insects that sustain them. From cultivated orchard varieties to native species like wild cherry and crab apple, fruit trees rely entirely on pollinators to bear fruit. In turn, these insects depend on nectar and pollen as vital sources of nourishment for themselves and their young. The talk will take place at 12:45 on 17th April. Click here for more information.

Kilkenny Archaeological Society Events

Kilkenny Archaeological Society Presents: A Kilkenny man’s letters from Richmond Barracks, Wakefield Prison and Frongoch – Tom Treacy, Dean Street, and the aftermath of the 1916 Rising in Kilkenny a lecture by Orla Murphy. The lecture will take place at Rothe House, 7:30pm on 15th April.  This year also marks the 60th Anniversary of the opening of the newly renovated Rothe House in 1966 to the public. Details of events to mark this anniversary will be announced soon. Click here for more information.

 

 

 

 

Sewing Seeds – A Seasonal Making Project

Bookings are still opened for SEWING SEEDS Summer, Autumn & Winter seasons. Places are limited early booking advisable. For full details follow:

https://kilkennyartsoffice.ie/sewing-seeds-a-seasonal-making-project/.

 

From Hide to Heel – Public Art Project

From Hide to Heel is a Public Arts project by visual artist Pauline O’Connell commissioned by Kilkenny County Council for their 2024 – 2027 programme and supported by The Arts Council of Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The project explores the heritage of Kilkenny’s Boot Factory (Padmore and Barnes). There are two upcoming free public presentations in response to this project: Mary E. Daly, Emeritus Professor of History at University College Dublin (UCD), 2-4 pm Saturday 11th April 2026, The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny. Emma Gilleece, Building Conservationist and Architectural Historian, 2-4 pm Saturday 25th April 2026, Padmore & Barnes, Wolfe Tone Street, Kilkenny. The project inspired the following article on the RTÉ website. For more information contact: fromhidetoheel@gmail.com

 

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