The annual National Heritage Week is almost upon us and Donegal is boasting 114 events across the county with this year's theme of "Exploring our Foundations". Events happen from Saturday August 16th to Sunday August 24th.
We've had a look through the Donegal list and found 5 that we think you should attend!
Image by Simon Berstecher – Pixabay
Bat Walk at Drumboe Woods – August 23rd 9pm-10pm – Drumboe Woods, Stranorlar.
Learn all about Irish bat species and how to use special bat detecting equipment. This is a free event - booking essential via Ticket Tailor -
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/batconservationireland/1804451
Notes:
– Bat detectors and high vis vests provided.
– Suitable for ages 7+
– Please wear a warm waterproof coat and strong footwear
– All children must be supervised and accompanied by an adult at all times
– Event is weather dependent
More info - Bat Conservation Ireland
karenh@batconservationireland.org
Bunscoltacha Ghaoth Dobhair 1831-2000 – August 20th – 22nd 12pm – 4pm – An Crannog, Sranacorkra, Derrybeg, F92 EYT3
The National School system was founded in 1831 and spread country wide. In the parish of Gaoth Dobhair there were at one time 13 schools, today there are 6. This event attempts to tell the story through the use of power point, exhibition and talk. most of the material: photos, school roll books, documents etc will be on view for the first time. the talk will be bilingual and queries/questions may be asked. The event itself should last 1 -1.5 hrs. and will run from midday until 4 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Níos mó eolas ag 087 3912067 nó
vincentbreslin1@gmail.com
A light across the land – 200 years since Drummond at Sliabh Sneacht – August 22nd 3pm – 6:30pm. Sliabh Sneacht Centre, Drumfries, Clonmany, F93 K6PH
Join us as we mark the bicentenary of a landmark moment in Irish mapping history. In 1825, engineer Thomas Drummond of the Ordnance Survey ascended Sliabh Sneacht and used a pioneering “limelight” device to beam a signal 67 miles to Belfast — a breakthrough in precision surveying that helped shape ordinance survey mapping.
This special event will celebrate his achievement with a guided walk on the mountain’s foothills followed by an illustrated lecture exploring Drummond’s work and its lasting legacy.
🥾 Guided Walk – 3:00 PM
Join a guided walk along the newly developed Drovers Trail (Old Carn Road) at the foot of Sliabh Sneacht, led by a trained Lowland Leader from the Active Inishowen Project, with support from North West Community Development. (Parking @ Sliabh Sneacht Centre)
A bus transfer will be available to assist with the steep initial section of the trail.
🔹 Max. 15 participants – Booking required
https://inishowen.ie/latest-news/events/a-light-across-the-land-guided-walk/
🗣 Guest Lecture – 5:00 PM
Following refreshments at 4:30 PM, Dr. Peter Wilson will present a talk on the significance of Thomas Drummond’s first mapping of the Sliabh Sneacht area.
🔹 Venue: Sliabh Sneacht Centre Presentation Room
🔹 Max. 40 participants – Booking recommended
https://inishowen.ie/latest-news/events/a-light-across-the-land-guest-lecture/
🎟 Registration & Booking Required
For more information, contact:
📧
kevin@inishowen.ie 086 2012676
Twilight at the Castle – 24th August 7:30pm – 9pm. Donegal Castle, Tir Chonnail Street, F94 P996.
A Medieval Musical Evening at the Castle – Heritage Week Celebration
Step into the past and experience an unforgettable evening of medieval music in the majestic setting of Donegal Castle as part of this year’s Heritage Week festivities. This unique concert brings the spirit of the Middle Ages to life through enchanting melodies, ancient instruments, and authentic performances that echo through the stone walls of one of our region’s most historic landmarks.
Admission is free, and booking is required— bring your curiosity and your love of music. Come celebrate our shared heritage and discover the magic of medieval music in a place where history still sings.
Booking essential 074 9722405
Children’s Print Workshop with Laura Buchanan – Donegal County Museum 16th August 2pm-3pm – High Road, Letterkenny, F92 K123
In this hands-on printmaking workshop, we’ll explore relief printing using foam stickers, colourful inks, rollers, and my trusty ‘Woodzilla’ printing press—along with letterpress printing using vintage wooden type to design and print an inspirational message to take home.
To finish, we’ll get creative making personalised badges as a fun keepsake of your printmaking adventure!
Age range: Age range - 7 - 12 year olds. (must be accompanied by an adult)
Booking: Places are limited so booking is essential – museum@donegalcoco.ie or 0749124613
To find the rest of what’s happening in the county for Heritage week check out -
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings?q=&where%5B%5D=donegal#listings