Award nominations for Waterford heritage week events have officially opened

Local communities and groups across Waterford will be honoured at the Heritage Council County Awards, where you can have your say on the most engaging projects and events held for heritage week this year.

Communities, organisations, and individuals across Waterford are invited to submit their nominations for the best and most engaging heritage week events, based on how well the event or project raised awareness about an element of heritage, hw it was promoted, and the extent to which it engaged and involved the community.

With more than 2,600 events taking place nationwide from August 15 – 23, this year's national heritage week was the largest programme in the event's history.

Building on a milstone year in 2025, when almost half a million people attended events across the country, the 2026 programme saw communities across Ireland explore this year's theme, Heitage at Risk, with 56 events held over the week in Waterford.

Last year, Clashmore Kinsalebeg Heritage Group won the County Award for Waterford for their The Ecclesiastical Heritage of Clashmore Kinsalebeg event.

Nominations are also open for national heritage week awards, including the Heritage Hero Award, which honours an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding, long-term contribution to the protection and promotion of Ireland's heritage.

Unlike the other categories, this award is based solely on public nominations and is considered a lifetime achievement award.  Speaking on the opening of the nominations, Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said: “The National Heritage Week Awards is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the remarkable work of communities and individuals who bring our heritage to life.

Year after year, we are inspired by the creativity, generosity and dedication shown by organisers across the country. These Awards allow us to celebrate that spirit and to highlight the people and projects that inspire future generations to become custodians of our shared heritage. I encourage everyone to get involved and make a nomination.”  

 Waterford City & County Council Heritage Officer, Bernadette Guest, said: "National Heritage Week is only possible because of the enthusiasm and dedication of local communities. This year's programme in Co. Waterford reflected the pride people have in their local places, stories and traditions and these awards are a chance to recognise that effort, and I would encourage people to nominate the events and organisers that made an impression on them."

Nominations close on Tuesday, September 15, with the awards ceremony taking place on Thursday, October 29 at the Grand Hall, RDS, Co. Dublin Event organisers making a nomination should provide details of their project and, where possible, images from the event.

Members of the public are also warmly encouraged to nominate both outstanding events and individuals they feel deserve recognition.  Nominations can be made at https://www.heritageweek.ie/awards