More than 900 events have been planned as part of Heritage Week, which got under way over the weekend.
The week is meant to promote an awareness of national heritage including buildings, museums, cultural events, wildlife and landscape, say the organisers.
Activities planned have an emphasis on the outdoors and will include wildlife walks, boat trips, music, storytelling and craft master classes.
A demonstration of the ancient skills of the bronze caster were on display yesterday in Co Wicklow, along with many other weekend events.
"There is a strong growing interest in our national heritage and this is reflected in the huge number of events organised by local community groups," said Heritage Council chief executive Michael Starrett.
Heritage Week is part of European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union which was established 15 years ago.
The week runs until Sunday, September 3rd.
Further details of events taking place during the week are available at the web site, www.heritageweek.ie