From star-gazing and whale-watching in West Cork to Forest Bathing in Carlow and Dodder Otter spotting in Dublin City, Ireland is preparing for a series of outdoor adventures that will start this weekend!

During the 2017 Heritage Week, each of the Irish counties will organise different activities to showcase the magnificence of local nature and share the spirit of European Heritage Days. The events will be taking place every day between 19th and 27th August and this will be a chance to enjoy the widest range of nature and history-inspired tours, walks, workshops or gatherings.

The diversity of events prepared for this year is truly amazing! Those seeking to be inspired by nature can enjoy Nature Mandala in Galway, while those craving adventure can get active at a Nature Detective Day in Donegal. History research will be on the agenda in Tipperary, where Fancroft Mill will open its doors to tell a story of a conservation project that brought the old mill back to life, as well as in Abbeyleix Heritage House in Laois, which will offer free admissions to those interested in finding out more about the local history.

Music festival, poetry readings, workshops and art performances will also take place across the country to keep everyone in the celebratory mood. This year’s Heritage Week will bring together various cultural institutions, community groups, volunteers and visitors to celebrate the values of nature and learn to cherish them every day.

“We want National Heritage Week to inspire people to be involved all year round,” says Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council in an interview for Irish Times. “Whether it’s making your garden more wildlife friendly, joining an environmental group, working with your community to make your town pollinator-friendly or becoming a citizen scientist to observe and submit wildlife records to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. If you can smile and laugh while you’re involved, you’re more likely to do something about the problems faced by the environment.”

With this goal in mind, this year’s Heritage Week in Ireland invites everyone to use this special occasion to reconnect with nature and enjoy its beauties. If you are interested in being a part of this magical time in Ireland, you can browse all events here or download a complete guide for events in your county and join thousands of people ready to explore new horizons.