Celebrating Heritage: The 2025 National Heritage Week Awards
The 2025 National Heritage Week Awards are set to shine a spotlight on the rich tapestry of heritage across Ireland, showcasing a diverse array of national categories. These awards not only celebrate the cultural and historical significance of various projects but also highlight the innovative ways communities engage with their heritage.
A Focus on Sustainability
Among the notable entries this year is the "Native Woodland Re-Establishments" project from the Woodlands of Ireland, which has been shortlisted for the prestigious Sustainability & Climate Award. This award is dedicated to recognizing initiatives that prioritize environmentally friendly practices, aiming to reduce carbon footprints and minimize impacts on the natural world. The inclusion of such projects underscores the growing awareness and commitment to sustainable practices within heritage initiatives.
The Role of the Heritage Council
The Heritage Council’s National Heritage Week Awards serve as a platform to honor the most engaging projects and events organized during National Heritage Week. This annual celebration brings together a multitude of initiatives from across the country, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for preserving Ireland’s rich heritage. Each year, the Heritage Council also presents a County Award in every Local Authority Area, recognizing the best event or project that effectively raises awareness about local heritage.
Sligo’s Contribution
This year, Sligo has made a significant impact, hosting 65 events during National Heritage Week. This impressive number highlights the county’s active role in the celebrations, showcasing its commitment to heritage and community engagement. The events ranged from educational workshops to cultural exhibitions, all designed to involve local residents and visitors alike in the appreciation of Sligo’s unique heritage.
Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the breadth of events this year. "With over 2,500 events registered, the largest number in our history, shortlisting was an exciting but truly challenging task," she noted. The awards not only recognize creativity and dedication but also celebrate the hard work of communities across Ireland in bringing their shared heritage to life.
Community Engagement and Recognition
The awards also emphasize the importance of community involvement. The County Award for Sligo is based on how well an event raised awareness about an aspect of heritage, its promotional efforts, and the extent of community engagement. This focus on local participation ensures that heritage initiatives resonate with the people they aim to serve, fostering a deeper connection to the past.
Siobhán Ryan, Sligo County Council Heritage Officer, praised the high standard of events organized during National Heritage Week. She highlighted how these initiatives not only brought creativity and connection to the community but also showcased the value placed on shared heritage. The variety of events organized reflects the diverse interests and talents within the community, making Sligo a standout participant in this year’s celebrations.
Looking Ahead
The winners of the National Heritage Week Awards will be announced at a ceremony on October 17th at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin. This event promises to be a celebration of the creativity and dedication of individuals and organizations committed to preserving Ireland’s heritage.
Cllr. Donal Gilroy, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Chair of the County Sligo Heritage Forum, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of Heritage Week. He emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "Without their interest, hard work, and voluntary commitment, Heritage Week would not be possible."
Categories of Recognition
This year’s awards feature several categories, including the Exploring Our Foundations Award, Wild Child Event Award, Water Heritage Day Award, Inclusive Heritage Award, Irish Language Award, Sustainability and Climate Award, Intangible Cultural Heritage Award – The Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh Award, and the County Award. Each category reflects the diverse aspects of heritage that are celebrated across Ireland.
Additionally, the Heritage Hero Award is presented annually to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the protection and promotion of heritage over time. Nominations for this award come from the public, highlighting the community’s role in recognizing those who work tirelessly to preserve Ireland’s cultural legacy.
Cllr. Gilroy remarked on the significance of the Heritage Hero Award, stating, "It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those who work—often voluntarily and always tirelessly—to ensure the preservation and protection of our heritage."
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming awards ceremony, the enthusiasm surrounding National Heritage Week continues to resonate throughout communities, fostering a renewed appreciation for Ireland’s rich and diverse heritage.
