Celebrating Heritage Week 2026 in Lismore
National Heritage Week 2026 was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the history, stories, people and places that make Lismore and the surrounding area so special.
Taking place from 15–23 August, this year’s National Heritage Week explored the theme “Heritage at Risk”, encouraging communities across Ireland to think about the heritage that is vulnerable and how we can protect it for future generations.
At Lismore Heritage Centre, we were delighted to be part of the celebrations with a programme of events that brought history, culture, nature and family activities together.
The Lorax – Heritage Week Family Screening
We began our Heritage Week programme with a special free screening of The Lorax at Lismore Heritage Centre on Tuesday, 18 August.
This colourful and entertaining family film carries an important environmental message, encouraging audiences to think about trees, nature and the importance of protecting our natural world.
With its themes of conservation and caring for the environment, The Lorax was a fitting addition to this year’s Heritage Week theme of “Heritage at Risk”. Children were invited to enjoy the film while learning an important lesson about looking after the world around us.
Exploring Ballysaggartmore Towers
On Wednesday, 19 August, Lismore Heritage Centre hosted a guided tour of Ballysaggartmore Towers, one of the area’s most fascinating historic landmarks.
Located in woodland just outside Lismore, the Gothic towers and gate lodges provide a striking reminder of the area’s architectural and social history.
The guided walk offered visitors the chance to discover the stories, mysteries and local legends associated with Ballysaggartmore. Walking through the surrounding woodland, participants could admire the historic stonework, bridges and landscape while hearing about the once-grand estate and the history of the towers.
The event was free and suitable for families, with visitors encouraged to wear suitable footwear and rain gear for the outdoor walk.
Saints and Scholars
The Heritage Week programme continued on Friday, 21 August, with Saints and Scholars at Lismore Heritage Centre.
Taking place from 11am to 12pm, the event explored Lismore’s remarkable early Christian heritage and its connections to the tradition of learning and scholarship that helped shape the town’s identity.
Lismore has a long and fascinating association with religion, education and scholarship, making it a natural setting for an event celebrating the people and stories behind Ireland’s rich heritage.
The event was part of the official National Heritage Week programme for County Waterford.
A Week of Heritage in Lismore
Heritage Week is about much more than historic buildings. It is an opportunity to connect with the stories, traditions, landscapes and communities that have shaped the places we call home.
From exploring the history of Ballysaggartmore Towers to discovering Lismore’s early Christian heritage, and from enjoying a family film with an environmental message to learning more about the importance of protecting our heritage, the programme offered something for a wide range of ages and interests.
We were delighted to welcome visitors and local families throughout the week and to play our part in celebrating the remarkable heritage of Lismore and the Blackwater Valley.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, helped organise our events, shared their knowledge and helped make Heritage Week 2026 such a memorable celebration.
Discover Lismore
Heritage Week may be over, but there is always more to discover at Lismore Heritage Centre. From the history of Lismore and Lismore Castle to our immersive Castle VR Experience, guided tours and Escape Room, there are plenty of ways to explore the town’s fascinating past.
We look forward to welcoming you to Lismore Heritage Centre and continuing to share the stories of this unique part of County Waterford.