As Heritage Week takes place, the Irish Heritage Trust is calling on communities across Ireland to help preserve the untold stories behind some of the country’s most treasured heritage sites through the launch of Heritage Voices Plus, a major new national oral history initiative.

Funded through the Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant Scheme and delivered in partnership with Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting, the project will record the memories, experiences and traditions of the people who have shaped Fota House and Gardens in Cork, Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens in Wexford, and Strokestown Park House in Roscommon.

The initiative recognises that while Ireland’s historic houses, gardens and estates have been carefully conserved, many of the personal stories of the people who lived, worked and cared for them have never been formally documented. Heritage Voices Plus aims to preserve this invaluable social history before it is lost.

‘Lost Forever’

“Every one of our heritage sites is filled with personal stories – stories of people who worked the land, cared for gardens, welcomed visitors, carried out research, volunteered their time or simply grew up with these places as part of their community,” said Grace Dignam, programme development & outreach manager at the Irish Heritage Trust

“Many of these memories have never been recorded and, unless we act now, they risk being lost forever.”

The launch follows a significant investment by the Irish Heritage Trust in 2025, when the organisation committed more than €23,500 of its own resources to develop a national oral history framework across its properties. This work established a consistent methodology for collecting oral histories, secured long-term archival partnerships in Cork, Wexford and Roscommon, and created a network of trained volunteers to support the project.

Oral History Collections

Now, in 2026, the initiative moves into its next phase with the support of the Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant Scheme. Drawing on the expertise of oral historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara and his team at Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting, interviews will be carried out with former staff, estate workers, gardeners, researchers, volunteers, local historians and members of the wider community connected with the three heritage sites.

Alongside recording new interviews, the project will also examine existing oral history collections to uncover and preserve previously recorded stories relating to Fota House and Gardens, Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens, and Strokestown Park House. The initiative will also provide practical training for a new cohort of volunteers, equipping them with the skills to collect oral histories and helping to build long-term capacity for community heritage recording across Ireland.

The project will capture stories of estate life, horticultural traditions, farming, biodiversity, scientific research, community life and the everyday experiences that have shaped these remarkable places over generations. The interviews will be professionally archived in repositories in Cork, Wexford and Roscommon, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations while contributing to a richer understanding of Ireland’s cultural, agricultural and social heritage.

‘Future Generations’

“Heritage Voices Plus is about putting people at the heart of heritage. Thanks to the support of the Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant Scheme, we are now able to bring communities together across Cork, Wexford and Roscommon to capture and celebrate these stories, while also giving volunteers new skills and creating a lasting archive for future generations,” said Grace Dignam.

“As Heritage Week approaches, we hope people will come forward and share their memories. Every story, no matter how small, helps build a richer and more human understanding of Ireland’s past and ensures these special places continue to inspire future generations.”

Beginning during Heritage Week, the first community events associated with Heritage Voices Plus will take place at Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens in County Wexford. These events will showcase the stories gathered through the project and celebrate the people, memories and heritage that have shaped these historic places. Further engagement events will follow across the Trust’s heritage properties as the project develops.

The Irish Heritage Trust is now inviting anyone with memories of Fota House and Gardens, Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens, or Strokestown Park House to come forward and take part in the project. Former staff, gardeners, estate workers, researchers, volunteers, visitors and members of the surrounding communities are encouraged to share their stories and help preserve an important part of Ireland’s living heritage.