Heritage Week A look ahead to Heritage Week in Cavan Heritage Week Nicole McDermott Published: Sun 3 Aug 2025, 1:00 PM
National Heritage Week (August 16-24, 2025) is a celebration of Ireland’s rich cultural, built, and natural heritage. This year’s theme, ‘Exploring Our Foundations’, invites communities to reconnect with the places, stories, and cultural practices that shaped their identity.
In Cavan, a county steeped in folklore, history, and cultural vibrancy, Heritage Week will be marked by a variety of events. From ancient storytelling to cultural showcases and creative crafts, the programme reflects the vibrancy of Cavan.
Gathering of the Clans
Cavan Tidy Towns presents a moving tribute to the region’s past with Gathering of the Clans, a community-focused event at the historic Annagelliffe Graveyard on August 16, from 11am-2pm. The event begins with a blessing of the graves, honouring those who came before and the land they shaped.
A highlight of the morning will be a re-enactment of Eoghan Rua Ó Néill, soldier, nephew of Hugh Ó Néill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone, who was ready to fight Cromwell’s army before he fell ill and died in Cloughoughter Castle. Bringing further life to the setting is professional seanchaí (storyteller) Daniel Downey, who, dressed in traditional bardic robes, will “add a bit of drama to local history and folklore” while diving into tales of Cavan’s origins — from the days of Gallowshill Castle to the mystical fairies of Lough Green Island. Downey’s animated storytelling enlivens local legends and fosters an appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of this ancient graveyard, inviting both locals and visitors to connect with Cavan’s foundational stories.
As part of Cavan’s diverse cultural landscape, the Afro in Diaspora Center (ADC) brings a powerful, inclusive event to Heritage Week with Echoes of Heritage – A Celebration of Culture. “We want to display all four regions of Africa. North, West, East and South,” says organiser Susuana Olatunji Komolafe.
It is important to her that the event reflects the cultural varieties. “Not only African and Caribbean, all can join in. It is an open space for conversation, music, people to chat.”
Their programme runs throughout the week from August 16 to 22 on the market place. It includes storytelling and cultural performances, traditional African drumming, Caribbean dance, and spoken word poetry from artists across the diaspora. A heritage timeline exhibit will showcase Afro-Irish history, while hands-on workshops in ancestry tracing, craft making, and textile design will help attendees connect personally with cultural roots.
Culinary delights and music will round off the experience. More than just a festival, Echoes of Heritage aims to empower communities, foster cultural pride, and encourage intercultural dialogue across generations and nationalities.
For families and young creatives, Cavan libraries will be hosting hands-on Weaving Workshops throughout Heritage Week. This accessible, age-appropriate craft introduces children (ages 7 and up) to the traditional art of weaving, offering a fun and educational entry point into Ireland’s textile heritage.
Children will learn essential skills like threading needles, creating warp and weft patterns, and crafting colourful mini tapestries on simple looms. Each participant will leave with their own handmade creation, and even instructions to build a loom at home — ensuring the legacy of craft continues beyond the workshop.
By hosting these sessions in local libraries, the initiative also highlights the role these community hubs play in preserving and sharing cultural knowledge.
From ancient legends told at graveyards to vibrant cultural expressions and timeless crafts,
Cavan’s Heritage Week offerings exemplify the diverse ways in which we can explore and honour our foundations. For full details on events and registration, visit http://www.heritageweek.ie and search for Cavan.
Heritage Week Nicole McDermott Published: Sun 3 Aug 2025, 1:00 PM
