National Heritage Week 2025 – Free Events at Medieval Mile Museum
August 16 – 24 | Exploring Our Foundations
Every August, National Heritage Week invites us to slow down, look closer, and reconnect with the traditions, places, and people that shaped Ireland. This year’s theme, Exploring Our Foundations, is about discovering the stories beneath our feet, from the stones of ancient churches to the words of storytellers and the creativity passed from one generation to the next.
At the heart of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, the Medieval Mile Museum will once again be a hub of activity for National Heritage Week 2025. Families, history lovers, and curious explorers are invited to step inside this historic landmark and take part in a series of special events designed to bring Kilkenny’s past to life in exciting, memorable ways.
Whether it’s uncovering myths during story time, hunting for LEGO figures, or tracing the artistry of Kilkenny’s tombstones, each event offers a different lens through which to explore our heritage.
Story Time at the Museum
Daily on 20th, & 22nd August | 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM | Free but Booking Required
Start the day with a little magic inside the museum walls. Our 30-minute storytelling sessions will whisk families into a world of local legends, quirky tales, and Kilkenny myths. Specially created for younger audiences, this engaging event is all about sparking imaginations and helping children connect with the heritage around them.
From knights to curious characters of the past, each tale weaves a thread between history and imagination, giving young listeners a fresh way to understand the city’s medieval story.
LEGO Heritage Hunt
Daily on August 20th, 21st & 22nd | Drop-in from 09:45 – 16:45 | Kids Go Free
For those who like their history hands-on, the LEGO Heritage Hunt is a playful way to connect with the past. Hidden throughout the museum are mini LEGO figures, each connected to a real piece of Kilkenny’s history. Armed with an activity sheet, young explorers will set off on an adventure to match characters with their historical stories.
Along the way, families will discover tales of kings, knights, and medieval life-proving that even the smallest brick can build big connections to the past.
No booking is required, just drop in and get hunting.
Lunchtime Tombstone Tours
August 20th, 21st & 23rd | 1:00 PM | Free but Booking Required
Step outside and take a walk through St. Mary’s Graveyard, where centuries of Kilkenny’s history are etched in stone. These guided lunchtime tours, led by expert museum guides, uncover the artistry, symbolism, and hidden stories carved into the city’s tombstones.
Over the course of 45 minutes, you’ll:
- Trace the evolution of grave markers from medieval to modern.
- Hear stories of prominent Kilkenny families buried on site.
- Discover religious and cultural shifts reflected in burial practices.
- Learn about the skills of local stonemasons whose work still endures today.
It’s a chance to reflect on Kilkenny’s built heritage, while gaining a new appreciation for the craftsmanship and memory woven into the graveyard’s stones.
Why Visit During Heritage Week?
Heritage Week is not just about looking back, it’s about making the past part of the present. At the Medieval Mile Museum, families can experience history in ways that are interactive, creative, and fun. From early morning story time to afternoon hunts and reflective tours, there’s something for every age group to enjoy.
And because these events are free to attend, they’re a perfect way for both locals and visitors to celebrate Kilkenny’s role in Ireland’s heritage.
So, this August, gather your family, bring your curiosity, and step inside Kilkenny’s stories. National Heritage Week 2025 promises to be a celebration of the foundations we all share, and the Medieval Mile Museum is the perfect place to begin.
Contact us to book;
056 781 7022 | info@medievalmilemuseum.ie