| Heritage News – June 2026 |
Changing Seasons Changing Times – Recording Living Heritage in Kilkenny
The Heritage Office invites you to our remaining Community Conversation on the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss on our living heritage which takes place at Thomastown Library at 2pm on Thursday 27th May. Join us to share your memories, stories and experiences and to see local examples of our living heritage from the National Schools Folklore Collection. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided. All age groups welcome!
Register your events for National Heritage Week
Registration for National Heritage Week is now open! This year’s theme ‘Heritage at Risk’ encourages us to explore the built, natural and cultural aspects of our heritage that are endangered, for us to reimagine and revive these sites, artefacts and practices. For more information and to register your event see: www.heritageweek.ie
Kilkenny Archaeological Society
Image Credit: Rothe House
Kilkenny Archaeological Society will have their Annual Midsummer Party in the 16th Century Garden of Rothe House on 13th June – 3pm to 5pm. Promising entertainment, party fare and of course the always popular Strawberries & Cream (In the event of inclement weather, the party will move indoors.) €10 for non-members, €8 for membersRothe House 1966-2026: The Restoration is a free exhibition running at Rothe House until October 31, 2026, detailing the 1960s rescue and restoration of Ireland’s only 16th-century merchant mansion. A programme of events to commemorate this anniversary will be on-going throughout the summer. For more information see: https://rothehouse.com/
Oral History Network of Ireland
The Oral History Network of Ireland will hold its annual meeting in Tralee, Co. Kerry across 18th-19th June 2026 at the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry. This year’s theme of ‘Oral History and Movement’ has made for a wide-ranging and engaging programme. The Keynote speaker this year is Mary Stewart, Lead Curator of Oral history at the British Library. Early Bird Booking is open!
For further information see www.oralhistorynetworkireland.ie
Job Opportunities
The Heritage Council are currently recruiting for six new roles in including Climate Heritage Officer, Shared Island Heritage Networks Officer, Heritage Impact and Assessment Officer among others. Please follow the link for details on all roles: https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/news/jobs
Kilkenny County Council is currently recruiting for the roles of Biodiversity Officer and Climate Action Officer, for more information see: https://kilkennycoco.ie/eng/your_council/jobs-vacancies/
Powerscourt Estate – Working with Nature Awards 2026
Image Credit: Working with Nature Awards
Powerscourt Estate invites the public to nominate Ireland’s nature champions in the Working with Nature Awards 2026, open until 11 June. Now in its second year, the awards recognise individuals, groups, organisations and small businesses protecting, restoring and reconnecting people with nature, from biodiversity and rewilding projects to media, education and wellbeing initiatives. Powerscourt encourages people to notice local nature and celebrate impactful work. Winners in three categories receive a bespoke wooden award and €500 bursary, with an overall “Outstanding Nature Protector” prize. For further information, see: www.powerscourt.com/workingwithnature
South Kilkenny Historical Society
South Kilkenny Historical Society invites you to a free song writing workshop with Luan Parle on Saturday, May 30th, 10am–1pm at Mullinavat Parish Hall. Open to everyone, it welcomes local stories and memories as inspiration. Places are limited and free, so please register soon. Participants who play instruments are encouraged to bring them along.For further information please contact: Eddie Synnott – 086 8124349
The Building Limes Forum Ireland (BLFI)
The Building Limes Forum Ireland (BLFI) is hosting a 2-day practical lime workshop on 5–6 June at Killoran House, Thurles, Co. Tipperary focused on traditional lime materials, repair techniques, and conservation practice. The workshop is intended for practitioners and those already working or involved in traditional buildings, conservation, maintenance, or heritage-related projects. It combines practical demonstrations with hands-on learning and discussion. Further information and booking details are available here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/buildinglimesforumireland/2222080
