Monaghan Heritage Week 2026 proved to be the biggest and most diverse programme to date, with over 50 events taking place across the county and growing participation from communities, heritage groups, organisations, and individuals.
This year’s programme showcased the rich and varied heritage of County Monaghan through a wide range of events celebrating history, culture, biodiversity, traditional skills, folklore, and local stories. The continued growth of Heritage Week reflects the enthusiasm of communities across the county and their commitment to preserving and sharing Monaghan’s heritage.
A particularly positive aspect of this year’s programme was the involvement of many new community groups and first-time event organisers, bringing fresh ideas and new audiences to Heritage Week. At the same time, a number of well-established favourites returned to the programme, continuing to attract strong public interest.
Among the highlights were the popular Essexford Forge Open Day, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional blacksmithing skills, and the Bath Estate Lecture, which provided another fascinating insight into historical records and the stories they reveal about Monaghan’s past.
Heritage Week also featured a variety of family-friendly and interactive events in our local libraries, including Heritage Scavenger Hunts in Castleblayney and Monaghan Town, guided town tours, and storytelling workshops that encouraged people of all ages to engage with their local heritage in new and creative ways.
This year saw an increase in Open Doors events, allowing members of the public access to sites and buildings that are not normally open to visitors. These included tours of Bessmount House and the Rossmore Mausoleum, offering rare opportunities to explore some of Monaghan’s most significant historic locations.
Monaghan County Council also supported the new Nature in Nurture Festival, highlighting the important connections between natural and cultural heritage. Events included a workshop on Native Trees with John McKeon and a Heritage Tour of Black Island with Martin Brady.
Many of this year’s events and projects were supported through Monaghan County Council’s Heritage Grant Scheme, which for the first time provided funding for small-scale heritage initiatives across the county. A number of these projects were showcased during Heritage Week, demonstrating the positive impact of local investment in community-led heritage activities.
Speaking following the successful week, Monaghan Heritage Officer Kara Ward said:
“We are delighted to see Heritage Week in Monaghan continue to grow from strength to strength. With over 50 events taking place this year, it was our largest programme yet. It was particularly encouraging to welcome many new groups and individuals who organised events for the first time, while also seeing the continued popularity of returning favourites.
The success of the Heritage Grant Scheme was also evident, with many supported projects showcased throughout the week. Heritage Week continues to demonstrate the passion, creativity, and community spirit that exists across County Monaghan.”
Monaghan County Council Heritage Section would like to thank all event organisers, volunteers, community groups, landowners, speakers, and participants who contributed to the success of this year’s programme. Their commitment and enthusiasm have helped make Heritage Week 2026 the most successful celebration of Monaghan’s heritage to date and provide a strong foundation for future years.
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr. Aidan Campbell said:
“I was extremely impressed by the scale, quality and variety of events that took place across County Monaghan during Heritage Week. It was particularly encouraging to see so many new groups getting involved. The enthusiasm shown across the county, combined with the opportunities to visit historic sites, learn new skills and explore our built, natural and cultural heritage, made this year’s Heritage Week a tremendous success. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in organising and supporting the events and helping to showcase the best of what Monaghan has to offer.
I would like to add a special word of thanks to our Heritage Officer Kara Ward and to Marcella Babington from our Heritage Section in Monaghan County Council who organised the entire week with over 50 wonderful heritage events in Co Monaghan. The work of Kara and Marcella has to be commended. I would also like to acknowledge Adrian Hughes, Senior Planner and our Chief Executive Robert Burns.”