As National Heritage Week approaches from 15-23 August 2026, people across Ireland are invited to discover the rich natural, cultural and historical heritage of our peatlands through a range of guided walks, talks and family-friendly events.

Coordinated annually by the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage, encouraging communities to connect with the places, stories and landscapes that shape the country's identity. All National Heritage Week events can be viewed at www.heritageweek.ie.

Below we have collated a range of events across the country where participants can experience the wonders of Ireland's peatlands:

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Explore the Peatlands of Cork with Nature Network Ireland

Nature Network Ireland, in partnership with Ballyhoura Development, is hosting a series of guided peatland walks in County Cork, offering visitors the chance to experience some of the region’s most remarkable bog landscapes.

• Saturday 15 August | 2:30pm - 4:30pm | Information Knockduv Loop Walk, Ballinaboola Car Park, Co. Cork
• Sunday 16 August | 2:30pm - 4:30pm | Information Attychraan Loop Walk, Galtee Mountains, Co. Cork

These walks will explore how peatlands support biodiversity, store carbon, regulate water systems and preserve important aspects of Ireland’s cultural heritage. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the ecological and social value of these unique habitats while enjoying some of Cork’s finest upland scenery.

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Discover Nature and Science at Drummin Bog, County Carlow

Sunday 23 August | 8am and/or 11:30am | Information

The Drummin Bog Project will host a fascinating programme of events highlighting the wildlife and hydrology of this important peatland.

• 8:00am - The Beauty of Moths Join experts as moths are released from overnight moth traps, led by Robbie Donnelly. Visitors can take part in identifying species through citizen science and discover the incredible diversity of moth life supported by Drummin Bog. Break at 10.30am with refreshments and food provided. Please bring a reusable cup.
• 11:30am - Understanding the Water that Supports Drummin Bog Hydrogeologist James Lalor will share insights from five years of water monitoring at Drummin Bog. The talk will explore the vital role of groundwater, how water levels are measured and why hydrology is central to peatland restoration and conservation.

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Experience Peatland Wildlife with the Irish Peatland Conservation Council in County Kildare and County Meath

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) is offering an exciting programme of events throughout Heritage Week, including free admission to its visitor centre and a series of guided walks focusing on peatland biodiversity and restoration.

• Free Admission to the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Co Kildare Monday 17 August to Friday 21 August | 10:00am - 4:00pm Visit the headquarters of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and explore the peatland exhibition, peat-free wildlife gardens and educational displays. Staff will be available to answer questions and share their expertise on Ireland’s boglands.

• Dragonfly and Damselfly Walk to Lullymore West Bog, Co Kildare Monday 17 August | 11:00am Discover why wet grasslands and peatland habitats provide ideal conditions for dragonflies and damselflies. Learn about their fascinating life cycles and the important role wetlands play in supporting these remarkable insects.

• Girley Bog Walk, Co Meath Tuesday 18 August | 6:30pm Meeting at Girley Hall (C15 PV21), this walk will showcase peatland restoration work, including the use of micropropagated Sphagnum moss. Participants can also enjoy opportunities to observe dragonflies and bogland bird species.

• Bat Walk at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Co Kildare Thursday 20 August | 8:30pm Join the Kildare Bat Group and IPCC for an evening exploring the lives of Ireland’s bats, their habitats and their importance to local ecosystems.

• Lodge Bog Walk, Co Kildare Friday 21 August | 11:00am Learn about the flora and fauna of this raised bog nature reserve and hear about upcoming ecotope and hydrological research planned for the site.

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Peatlands, Heritage and Biodiversity in County Clare

17-21 August and 23 August | 10:30am - 12:30pm | Register

Peatlands, Heritage and Biodiversity Tour of the Land

Embark on a guided tour through Common Knowledge’s Biodiversity trail, discovering the diverse flora and fauna and learning about ongoing conservation efforts. This will be followed by a talk on traditional heritage methods used onsite and provide the opportunity to learn about peatland restoration plans.

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Tóchar brings Luke Casserly’s Distillation show to Co. Offaly

Saturday 15 August | 12pm, 2:30pm, and 5pm | Ticketed event

While not marked as a heritage week event, Tóchar are hosting Luke Casserly’s Distillation multi-sensory performance show which has been on a nationwide tour, in Fiesta Hall, Kilcormac, Co. Offaly. Created in direct response to the cessation of Ireland’s peat harvesting industry, Distillation is dedicated to the future of our broken landscapes – in the hope that by listening to them, we might be able to better understand them. There will be three performances across the day. Tickets are limited and can be purchased here.

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All About Bogs – Walk & Talk, Liffey Head Bog, Co Wicklow

23 August | 8:30am - 10am | Register

Guided by uplands expert Andrea Webb, Conservation Ranger at Wicklow Mountains National Park, people will learn about the precious biodiversity specific to bogs and the importance of their protection and restoration.

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Peatlands are among Ireland’s most significant natural assets. They support rare wildlife, store vast amounts of carbon, regulate water and hold generations of cultural memory. Through these Heritage Week events, communities can learn more about the value of these landscapes and the ongoing efforts to conserve and restore them for future generations. Whether you are interested in nature, history, science or simply enjoying the outdoors, there is an event waiting to inspire you.