Heritage Events

Dublin Festival of History Talk: Alice Stopford Green’s Last Years and the Women of Deansgrange Cemetery

The objectives and radical practices of Ireland's revolutionary generation continued to exert palpable pressure within the confines of the compromised new state. This talk explores the divergent responses and trajectories of some of the women whose continued presence might be understood as a kind of haunting — a reminder to the public of the histories and alternative futures that had been abandoned.

Alice Stopford Green was one of these women. As a historian and public intellectual, she had constructed a historical narrative for a nation in waiting; as a senator in the Irish Free State, she found herself forced to subordinate her vision of how that story should end. Other women redirected their energies in different ways. This illustrated talk explores some of their experiences and challenges, retrieving the post-treaty histories of a number of these women who now rest in Deansgrange Cemetery.

Organised by the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Heritage Office with funding from the Heritage Council, this lecture will be delivered jointly by Angus Mitchell (Royal Irish Academy Commemorations Bursary 2025/26) & Caoilfhionn Ní Bheacháin (University of Limerick).

Date: Friday, October 9

Location: The Studio, LexIcon Library and Cultural Centre

Booking required at dlr Heritage eventbrite.

Summer of Heritage

Join us to explore local landmarks and luminaries with a programme of FREE heritage tours and talks from 13th July to 6th September 2026.

View the full Summer of Heritage brochure

Book events in the Summer of Heritage programme

Free guided tours of local landmarks, towns, and villages include:

•    National Maritime Museum
•    Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
•    The Oratory
•    The Metals Walk
•    Stillorgan Obelisk 300
•    James Joyce Tower
•    Historic County Hall
•    Historic Killiney Walk
•    Foxrock Beckett Walk
•    Quaker Burial Ground
•    Historic Dundrum Walk
•    Glenageary Synge Walk
•    Fernhill Park & Gardens
•    Historic East Pier
•    Hugh Leonard Centenary Walks
•    Maeve Binchy and Irish Writers
•    Two Killiney Churches
•    Laughanstown to Rathmichael Walks with Dublin Mountains Partnership
•    Deansgrange Cemetery – Women of Note Tours

Discovering the heritage and history of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown 

Would you like to know more about how this place evolved through time? Join us for an 8-week journey to discover how people lived here in past times, historic clues to look out for in your surroundings, and where to find our most special local wonders. 

Experts will lead engaging sessions in the library exploring local geology, nature, archaeology, architecture, genealogy, and oral history. We will end the course with a group visit to a local heritage site. 

When: Tuesday mornings in July and September - July 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, September 15th, 22nd, 29th with a group site visit in October.
Time: 11am - 12.30am
Location: Deansgrange Library

Registration: The course is free. 

Places are limited and booking is essential, please call the dlr Heritage Officer on 01 2054700 or email dlrheritage@dlrcoco.ie to book a place.

This course is funded by Creative Ireland and is part of the implementation of the dlr County Heritage Plan.

Poetry and cyanotype photography workshop in Marlay House

Join us for a free 3 hour workshop inspired by Marlay Park led by poet, Grace Wilentz and artist, Jane Cummins.

Grace Wilentz will first lead the group in a writing exercise, focusing on creating poetry in response to Marlay Park and our shared green spaces. Participants will explore ways of engaging with place through poetry. No previous writing experience is required, just a willingness to participate and experiment.7

Following the writing exercise, Jane Cummins will introduce participants to the fascinating world of cyanotype, one of the earliest photographic printing processes.

Using the written word, natural materials and inspiration gathered from Marlay Park, participants will create striking prints on fine art paper using sunlight and the original "blueprint" process.

The workshop will run over 3 hours and participants will be able to forage in the park for inspiration and natural materials and pop out to the nearby cafés for breaks.

Participants can expect to leave with fresh approaches to their creative practice and with finished artworks to take home.

Time: 12th September, 11am - 2pm
Location: Old Kitchen, Marlay House (access via Marlay Courtyard), Marlay Park
Suitable for adults of all experience levels
No prior experience in writing or printmaking required

Booking required at dlr Heritage eventbrite.

iCAN Information Session - New partnership to support community archives in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to announce a new partnership with the National Museum of Ireland and The Heritage Council to bring the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN) to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

As part of this exciting initiative, local history, heritage and community groups are invited to attend an information session to learn more about how they can participate in the programme and preserve their local heritage for future generations. The Information session will take place at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, in the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan.

iCAN supports community groups in collecting, preserving and sharing local historical and cultural material online through professionally developed digital archives. Initially, a small number of groups will be invited to participate in the programme, with opportunities to expand participation over time.

Groups and individuals interested in attending the information session are asked to register their interest by emailing dlrheritage@dlrcoco.ie by Monday, 7 September 2026. Please include the name of your group and/or the name/s and email addresses of the attendee/s.

About the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN)
More information about iCAN can be found here.

Photo credit: Irish Community Archive Network

Fridays at the Oratory 

Fridays in September, this hidden gem will be open for guided tours.

Located on the site of the former St. Mary’s Dominican Convent in Dún Laoghaire. The Oratory’s interior walls are covered with intricate and brightly coloured Celtic-revival-style images painted by Sister Concepta Lynch between 1920-1936.

The original chapel is protected by a new structure to conserve the historic and delicate artwork.

The Tour Guide will open the door and admit group at tour start time. Oratory door will be closed when the tour commences.

Booking required at dlr Heritage eventbrite.

International Week of Deaf People

Marlay House and Cabinteely House are illuminated in blue for International Week of Deaf People, supporting the Deaf community, Irish Sign Language (ISL), and Deaf culture in Ireland. 

International Week of Deaf People takes place from 21-27 September, with 23 September marking the International Day of Sign Languages. The initiative helps raise awareness of the importance of ISL and promotes greater inclusion and accessibility for Deaf people.

Learn more here. 

Summer of Heritage

Join us to explore local landmarks and luminaries with a programme of FREE heritage tours and talks from 13th July to 6th September 2026.

View the full Summer of Heritage brochure

Book events in the Summer of Heritage programme

Free guided tours of local landmarks, towns, and villages include:

•    National Maritime Museum
•    Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
•    The Oratory
•    The Metals Walk
•    Stillorgan Obelisk 300
•    James Joyce Tower
•    Historic County Hall
•    Historic Killiney Walk
•    Foxrock Beckett Walk
•    Quaker Burial Ground
•    Historic Dundrum Walk
•    Glenageary Synge Walk
•    Fernhill Park & Gardens
•    Historic East Pier
•    Hugh Leonard Centenary Walks
•    Maeve Binchy and Irish Writers
•    Two Killiney Churches
•    Laughanstown to Rathmichael Walks with Dublin Mountains Partnership
•    Deansgrange Cemetery – Women of Note Tours

Discovering the heritage and history of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown 

Would you like to know more about how this place evolved through time? Join us for an 8-week journey to discover how people lived here in past times, historic clues to look out for in your surroundings, and where to find our most special local wonders. 

Experts will lead engaging sessions in the library exploring local geology, nature, archaeology, architecture, genealogy, and oral history. We will end the course with a group visit to a local heritage site. 

When: Tuesday mornings in July and September - July 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, September 15th, 22nd, 29th with a group site visit in October.
Time: 11am - 12.30am
Location: Deansgrange Library

Registration: The course is free. 

Places are limited and booking is essential, please call the dlr Heritage Officer on 01 2054700 or email dlrheritage@dlrcoco.ie to book a place.

This course is funded by Creative Ireland and is part of the implementation of the dlr County Heritage Plan.

National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage. It brings together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts to share their experience, knowledge culture and practices.

National Heritgage Week 2026 commenced on 15 – 23 August 2026. In 2026, National Heritage Week explores the theme “Heritage at Risk” At a time of accelerating environmental change, social transformation, and technological shift, the theme invites us to reflect on what is putting our heritage at risk — and how we can respond with care, creativity, and collective responsibility.

Explore what's happening near you and plan your Heritage Week adventure in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

Summer of Heritage

Join us to explore local landmarks and luminaries with a programme of FREE heritage tours and talks from 13th July to 6th September 2026.

View the full Summer of Heritage brochure

Book events in the Summer of Heritage programme

Free guided tours of local landmarks, towns, and villages include:

•    National Maritime Museum
•    Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
•    The Oratory
•    The Metals Walk
•    Stillorgan Obelisk 300
•    James Joyce Tower
•    Historic County Hall
•    Historic Killiney Walk
•    Foxrock Beckett Walk
•    Quaker Burial Ground
•    Historic Dundrum Walk
•    Glenageary Synge Walk
•    Fernhill Park & Gardens
•    Historic East Pier
•    Hugh Leonard Centenary Walks
•    Maeve Binchy and Irish Writers
•    Two Killiney Churches
•    Laughanstown to Rathmichael Walks with Dublin Mountains Partnership
•    Deansgrange Cemetery – Women of Note Tours

Discovering the heritage and history of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown 

Would you like to know more about how this place evolved through time? Join us for an 8-week journey to discover how people lived here in past times, historic clues to look out for in your surroundings, and where to find our most special local wonders. 

Experts will lead engaging sessions in the library exploring local geology, nature, archaeology, architecture, genealogy, and oral history. We will end the course with a group visit to a local heritage site. 

When: Tuesday mornings in July and September - July 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, September 15th, 22nd, 29th with a group site visit in October.
Time: 11am - 12.30am
Location: Deansgrange Library

Registration: The course is free. 

Places are limited and booking is essential, please call the dlr Heritage Officer on 01 2054700 or email dlrheritage@dlrcoco.ie to book a place.

This course is funded by Creative Ireland and is part of the implementation of the dlr County Heritage Plan.

Stained Glass Workshop in Marlay House

Discover the timeless art of stained glass in Marlay House with stained glass artists Alison Byrne and Madeleine Hellier.

Dating back to the 11th century, stained glass is one of the world's oldest and most enduring crafts. During this workshop, participants will be introduced to the history of stained glass, drawing inspiration from the celebrated Irish artist Evie Hone and her remarkable work.

Under the guidance of a stained glass artist, participants will learn the fundamental techniques of stained glass making, including glass cutting, copper foiling, soldering, and finishing. Working at their own pace in a supportive and creative environment, participants will create a handcrafted stained glass object to take home, while gaining a practical understanding of the skills, tools, and materials involved in this traditional craft.

Suitable for beginners, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a centuries-old heritage craft, leaving with both a beautiful handmade piece and the confidence to continue exploring stained glass in the future.

Suitable for complete beginners and provides all the foundational skills needed to continue exploring this beautiful craft.

All materials are provided, with each participant working from their own fully equipped workstation containing the glass, tools and supplies required to complete a stained glass suncatcher.

Venue: Marlay House

Time: 28 July or 29 July

Suitable for: Adults (18+) and beginners welcome.

Booking required at dlr Heritage eventbrite.

This workshop is funded by Creative Ireland and is part of the implementation of the dlr County Heritage Plan.

Spring into Heritage

Join us to explore local landmarks and luminaries with a programme of FREE heritage tours and talks from 30th March to 3rd May 2026.

View the full Spring into Heritage brochure

Book events in the Spring into Heritage programme

Free guided tours of local landmarks, towns, and villages include:

National Maritime Museum
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
Historic County Hall Tour
The Oratory
Marlay House
Cabinteely House
Fernhill Park & Gardens Walk

Spring into Heritage

Join us to explore local landmarks and luminaries with a programme of FREE heritage tours and talks from 30th March to 3rd May 2026.

View the full Spring into Heritage brochure

Book events in the Spring into Heritage programme

Free guided tours of local landmarks, towns, and villages include:

National Maritime Museum
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
Historic County Hall Tour
The Oratory
Marlay House
Cabinteely House
Fernhill Park & Gardens Walk

Spring into Heritage

Join us to explore local landmarks and luminaries with a programme of FREE heritage tours and talks from 30th March to 3rd May 2026.

View the full Spring into Heritage brochure

Book events in the Spring into Heritage programme

Free guided tours of local landmarks, towns, and villages include:

National Maritime Museum
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
Historic County Hall Tour
The Oratory
Marlay House
Cabinteely House
Fernhill Park & Gardens Walk

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026

This March, explore a fantastic programme of free Irish language guided tours across OPW sites. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy our national treasures while using and celebrating the Irish language.

Two great local OPW heritage sites will be welcoming visitors as Gaeilge:
Caisleán Rath Fearnáin - Rathfarnham Castle
Músaem na bPiarsach, Rath Fearnáin - Pearse Museum

Explore the full programme

Dressing Dublin: Made in Blackrock Exhibition

DLR Heritage and Laura Fitzachary are proud to present a short film and an exhibtion focusing on a small area of Blackrock, its former clothing and textile industry, and the people at the heart of it. From Glen Abbey Textiles to ‘The Rock’ hosiery factory, this event explores an often overlooked part of dress and social history. Told through the memories of former employees in the form of panels and a short film, the history of Brookfield Terrace to Carysfort Avenue is just as important to this story as the clothing manufacturing itself. This former hub of clothing and importantly, tights production was a microcosm echoing a wider tale of how the clothing industry developed in Ireland from the 1930s until its decline in the 1980s.

Funded by the Heritage Council, Creative Ireland and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and part of the County Heritage Plan’s ambition to platform untold local stories and support creative approaches to heritage.

A Short Film Screening will be hold on 13 February, 7pm at DLR LexIcon.

Booking is required via DLR Eventbrite.

The Exhibition will run from February 14th - 22nd on Level 4 at DLR LexIcon, and February 23rd – March 9th in Blackrock Library.