Luke Kelly voted the person that best represents Irish heritage

Luke Kelly has been voted the person that best represents Irish heritage (23%) with Christy Moore in second place (21%), according to new research carried out by the National Lottery in partnership with the Heritage Council. 

The new study found that over half (59%) of Irish people believe it is important to keep heritage alive through skills being passed down through generations.   

The research released by the National Lottery, in partnership with the Heritage Council, is to mark the announcement of a new collaborative partnership ahead of National Heritage Week which takes place from the 12 -20 August. 

The National Lottery raises over €4 million a week for Good Causes, which supports community and voluntary organisations all over Ireland, including hundreds of heritage groups and projects that receive funding through The Heritage Council each year. 

Respondents of the survey were largely positive about their knowledge of Irish heritage, with only one-in-ten (10%) stating they had poor knowledge of Irish heritage. 

The most popular heritage activities being passed down from older generations include cooking and baking, with over half (54%) of respondents claiming they have learned from a parent or grandparent. 

The research also found that 97% of people feel that living heritage is important to them as it is imperative, we keep old traditions alive. 

Traditional Irish music was voted the activity most associated with Irish heritage (33%) followed by GAA (20%). 

The Irish stew was voted their favourite traditional Irish meal (28%), followed by Bacon and Cabbage (19%) and a full Irish breakfast (15%).  

CEO of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said; “The Heritage Council is excited to partner with the National Lottery for National Heritage Week in 2023 in what I know will be a fruitful collaboration and one which will be beneficial to and spread awareness of heritage in all its forms. The relationship is a long standing one and we are proud to be a part of the National Lottery’s Good Causes awards every year through our heritage award. This partnership is a consolidation of that relationship. As we prepare for the launch of National Heritage Week, I would like to encourage everybody to have a look at what’s on in their area and to enjoy what your area has to offer.”

National Heritage Week takes place next week with over 1,200 free events and projects taking place as part of the festivities. 

Galleries, gardens, historic houses, barnyards, and studios will play host to events covering everything from architecture to archaeology, film to foraging, philosophy to genealogy and music to storytelling.

Walks, talks and workshops will satisfy the heritage curious among us. 

For information on what is happening in your area go to here ,  where you will find listings for all events as well as online projects for National Heritage Week.