MORE THAN 1,550 heritage events are taking place around the country over the next six days with a view to protect and enhance the richness, quality and diversity of Ireland’s national heritage.

National Heritage Week is providing an exciting look at Irish culture, and will see everything from archaeology, traditional skills, and historical re-enactments explored – and heritage properties not usually open to the public unlocked.

More than 600,000 people are expected to take part in the festival and most of the events are free. A list of events can be checked by location and category through the free iPhone / Android Heritage Week Event App or through heritageweek.ie.

Check out some of the highlights for today…

Outhouse Tour and Historical Talk, Dublin – (No public access normally)

21st August 15.00 – 18.00 (Free)

Outhouse LGBT Community Resource Centre is based in an eighteenth century house located at the northern end of Capel Street; they are hosting an open house from 3 – 6 with a talk about the history of the building. Address: 105 Capel St. Dublin 1.

Guided Historical Tour Of Dromana House, Waterford

18th – 26th August 14.00 – 18.00 (€5 House, €5 Gardens, €3.50 Concession for both)

Dromana House is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the strikingly beautiful, unspoilt river Blackwater. Surrounded by a 600 acre privately-owned estate with numerous woodland and garden walks, it boasts several interesting historic follies throughout the grounds including an ancient outer fortification, boathouse and slipway down to the river. The property has been lovingly maintained by its owners, whose family have lived on this location since 1200, the present owner being the 21st generation. Address: Dromana House & Gardens, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.

Titanic Exhibition & Walking Tour, Limerick

This Titanic exhibition showcases a collection of artifacts relating to the Titanic over three floors. The tour also includes a walk around Desmond Castle and the Franciscan Friary. Address The Quay, Askeaton, Co Limerick.

Uploaded by HeritageWeek

National Heritage Week 2012 will run from the 18th to the 26th of August