Heritage Keepers
Applications Now Open for the National Heritage Keepers Programme – Explore the Heritage on Your Doorstep
Burrenbeo Trust is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the fifth round of the National Heritage Keepers Programme. To date, more than 200 schools and community groups have taken part in this free initiative, which inspires participants to discover, celebrate, and protect the unique heritage of their local places.
This year, community groups and senior primary school classes are invited to join the programme, which combines online workshops with funding support for local heritage projects. Unlike programmes that separate built, cultural, and natural heritage, Heritage Keepers takes a holistic approach—emphasising how these elements are deeply connected in shaping the character of our places.
Last year, 80 schools and communities completed projects ranging from heritage trails, oral history recordings, podcasts, and booklets, to wildlife ponds, tree planting, and ‘Place Celebration’ days. Funding also enabled participants to visit local heritage sites in person, bringing their learning to life.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One teacher remarked: “It’s more than just talking about helping—it’s actually doing something.” A community participant added: “Whether we’re talking about nature, culture, or built heritage, it’s so important to get to know your place so that you love it enough to protect it for future generations.”
The programme includes five interactive two-hour workshops, followed by ongoing guidance as groups carry out their funded heritage actions. Participants can begin in autumn or in the New Year.
An online information session will take place on Tuesday, September 16th at 7:30pm. For more details and to apply (deadline: September 30th), visit www.heritagekeepers.ie.
Heritage Keepers is partially funded by The Sunflower Charitable Foundation through Community Foundation Ireland and by the Department of Education through the ESD to 2030 fund.
