This year’s National Heritage Week Ambassador has been named as TikTok woodturner and content creator, Eoin Reardon. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, visited Eoin at his workshop to celebrate the announcement and learn how the woodturner is introducing traditional craftsmanship to a new generation ahead of National Heritage Week, which takes place from August 15th – 23rd.
The theme of this year’s National Heritage Week is ‘Heritage at Risk’, which invites individuals and communities to consider the elements of our heritage that are vulnerable or under threat from historic buildings and archaeological sites to natural habitats, traditional skills, folklore, language and ways of life.
Announcing the 2026 National Heritage Week Ambassador, Minister O’Sullivan said:
“National Heritage Week celebrates the people, traditions and places that make our heritage so special. Eoin Reardon’s story is a wonderful example of how these skills can be shared with new audiences in creative and innovative ways.”
“As National Heritage Week approaches, I encourage everyone to explore the wide range of events and discover the rich heritage that exists in their own communities. Who knows what inspiration can be taken from local heritage, and where it might lead.”
Having discovered woodworking during lockdown after inheriting a set of tools from his grandfather, Eoin represents a new generation of craftspeople, blending traditional skills with modern storytelling. He has built a combined following of more than 5 million across TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, where he shares hand tool techniques, heritage craftsmanship and the process of making, inspiring audiences around the world to engage with traditional craft.
Working exclusively with hand tools, Eoin has taken on projects deeply rooted in Irish tradition, from building a currach to crafting shillelaghs and noggins.
Speaking about his role as this year’s National Heritage Week ambassador, Eoin Reardon said: “National Heritage Week is an event I’ve been involved in for many years, so I’m so excited to be this year’s ambassador.”
“Teaching myself to turn wood with my grandfather’s tools gave me an appreciation for traditional craftsmanship which is why this year’s theme of Heritage at Risk is so important to me. Helping to ensure these traditional skills aren’t lost is something I’m really passionate about and that’s why National Heritage Week is such a great opportunity for people to learn something new and in turn preserve it for future generations.”
“With just a few weeks to go, I’d encourage everyone to explore the events taking place in their local area and discover the heritage that’s on their doorstep.”
Now in its 26th year, National Heritage Week is Ireland’s largest celebration of built, cultural, and natural heritage, with over 2,000 events taking place annually, attended by almost half a million people. This week-long festival is an all-island initiative, with the majority of events free to attend. From guided walks and historical tours to craft demonstrations, biodiversity events and family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Eoin Reardon as our 2026 Ambassador. Eoin has been a wonderful supporter of National Heritage Week over the years and has a genuine passion for sharing Ireland’s traditional skills and craftsmanship with new audiences.”
“Through his engaging online content, he’s helping to ensure these valuable skills are appreciated by a new generation, perfectly bringing this year’s theme of Heritage at Risk to life. We look forward to seeing people of all ages get involved this August, whether that’s discovering the stories, skills and traditions in their local area or attending one of the thousands of events taking place across the country.”
Alongside the events taking place nationwide, National Heritage Week will once again feature popular initiatives including Heritage Open Doors, which gives the public access to historic buildings and sites not usually open to visitors, and Wild Child Day, encouraging children and families to explore Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage through hands-on experiences.
To explore events taking place near you, register your own event or find out more, visit Heritageweek.ie.
