Heritage Network Conference 2026
27th – 29th September 2026 Belfast & Armagh
The community heritage networking event of the year is back for 2026 and this year we are in Northern Ireland.
Join hundreds of community heritage leaders in Belfast and Armagh for three days of networking, discussion, learning, exploration.
There is nothing quite like the Heritage Network Conference. In recent years it has grown into the most lively, informative and fun event in the heritage sector calendar. The emphasis is on the impact of community-led heritage on people and places, explored through the experience of heritage regeneration in our host towns and cities and beyond.
We explore the vital topics of funding and business planning, community engagement, access and inclusion, governance and succession, regeneration and place-making and so much more.
These are serious topics, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. This is the friendly conference, and we go out of our way to make everyone feel welcome, safe and included. We have a perfect mix of delegates; community heritage leaders, major heritage agencies and funders, local authorities, heritage businesses and early-career professionals, meaning you can Network and make the connections you need whatever your role.
As well as a day of compelling presentations, lively discussions and networking, Conference includes tours and visits to fascinating historic sites and ground-breaking projects. We seek out stunning locations for our main Conference day, dinner, drinks reception and farewell lunch.
This year, our headline sponsor for the Conference is The Architectural Heritage Fund.
Key contact
Izabella Maar
Conference Organiser
Conference Programme
Find out what's happening at this year's conference by exploring the drop down lists below.
Conference is spread over 3 days, which each day full of different activities. On Sunday 27th & Monday 28th Conference activities will be in Belfast, and on Tuesday 29th Conference activities will be across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area.
Sunday 27th September
Location: 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1DA
Timings: 11:00 - 18:00
The team will be here to welcome you and answer any questions you might have. Delegates can leave their bags and luggage with us before heading off on their tours.
Location: various across Belfast
Timings: 13.00 - 14.30 and 15.30 - 17.00
An afternoon of tours across Belfast. Delegates will be invited to select which tours they would like to attend from the below list:
Assembly Rooms Belfast
- A tour around Belfast’s historic Assembly Rooms, considering its architectural development, its changing relationship with the surrounding streets, and its importance as Belfast’s first civic building. The tour will also examine how the building reflects the city’s growth from a small settlement into a major commercial and industrial centre.
Belfast City Hall
- The tour gives an extraordinary glimpse into areas not usually accessible to the public within the beautiful Baroque Revival building. Ascending the Grand Staircase, an experienced guide will lead you through rooms beginning in the Italian and Greek marble clad Rotunda.
Belfast Historic Waterfront
- Maritime Belfast Trust will lead a guided walking tour across the Belfast Historic Waterfront. Explore the city’s rich maritime past, the Dockside Stories project and the heritage that has shaped this unique destination bringing to life the people, places and industries that helped develop Belfast’s waterfront.
Crescent Arts Centre
- A full tour of Crescent Arts Centre a grade B listed former school turned multipurpose arts and community hub over four floors. The Crescent has a strong focus on wellbeing, accessibility and sustainability in its activities.
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
- This tour will bring visitors around the former Broadway Presbyterian Church which is now home to Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich - the largest Irish Language Centre on the island of Ireland, covering the history of the building and its current use as a community and cultural hub.
Explore the North Belfast Heritage Cluster
- The North Belfast Heritage Cluster is a partnership of 15 heritage organisations and assets within inner North Belfast focussing on placemaking, regeneration and collaboration. Join us on a tour of some of the area's most historic buildings and hear about their work as part of the heritage cluster.
Hidden histories of North Belfast
- Join us to uncover some hidden histories of North Belfast. On this journey, we will take in the beautiful buildings of St Malachy's College, Carnegie Oldpark Library and the North Belfast Working Men's Club. Expert guides will share stories from the area about a centurion, a ground-breaking physicist, and a robber baron who gave away his fortune.
Riddel's Warehouse
- From its days as a bustling warehouse to its developing new role as a vibrant creative hub, this remarkable building has stood witness to the evolution of the city. Join Hearth Historic Buildings Trust for a guided tour and experience the rich history within its walls.
Templemore baths heritage
- Learn the history behind the public bath houses of Belfast - from the washers to the swimmers, laundries to the linen, this tour will take visitors through time to learn about the beating heart of Victorian industry.
Tropical Ravine and Palm House
- Join Belfast City Council for a one-hour walking tour of the Victorian glasshouses, the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine at the Belfast Botanic Gardens highlighting the connections between heritage, nature, and wellbeing.
Location: 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1DA
Timings: 18:00 - 20:00
The Welcome Reception is a chance to socialise with other delegates in a relaxed setting. The evening consists of canapés, some entertainment, and welcome speeches.
Monday 28th September
Location: The Assembly Buildings Conference Centre; Belfast
Timings: Doors open 08:30, first session at 09:00
The morning plenary session will consist of the following talks and activities
Start as You Mean to Go On: Creating UNTOLD Differently
- Presented by: Annie McAleer (UNTOLD) and Maurane Ramon (thrive)
- What it's about: UNTOLD The Museum commissioned thrive, the support organisation for arts and heritage in Northern Ireland, to evaluate their co-design process and carry out an accessibility audit. Both organisations share what they found and what others can learn from the process.
- About the speakers: Annie is the Heritage Engagement Officer at UNTOLD The Museum. She is responsible for UNTOLD's community engagement programme, working to ensure the widest possible participation in the museum's development. Maurane is the Head of Client Development at thrive. Whether it is audience research, project evaluation or communication, Maurane is thrive’s own Swiss army knife, coming with a versatile set of skills to answer Northern Ireland’s arts and heritage sectors’ needs. She also has an interest in access provision and has delivered various accessibility audits for cultural organisations.
Structured Networking Session
Delegates will have the opportunity to network with peers; no Heritage Network Conference is complete without a round of ‘Mingle Bingo’…
AHF: 50 years of lessons in community heritage
- Presented by: Matthew McKeague (Chief Executive Officer, Architectural Heritage Fund)
- What it’s about: To mark the AHF's 50th anniversary, this presentation will cover notable projects from across the UK that capture the impact of heritage and community led regeneration, drawing out lessons that can help guide current projects and look ahead to future opportunities.
- About the speaker: Matthew joined the Architectural Heritage Fund as CEO in October 2017 and has led the expansion of the organisation in delivering its vision to support community and social enterprises to adapt and reuse historic buildings for the benefit of communities. Prior to joining the AHF, Matthew was the Director of Regeneration for the Churches Conservation Trust.
Treasure Ireland - Preserving the Heritage of Places of Worship
- Presented by: Kerry Rooney MBE (Northern Ireland Support Officer, National Churches Trust)
- What it's about: Learn how the National Churches Trust is helping churches across Northern Ireland care for historic buildings, deliver successful conservation projects, build local skills, and unlock new opportunities through heritage, tourism and community engagement.
- About the speaker: Kerry's background is in arts, culture and heritage, community engagement, and project management. Over the past ten years he has worked on a number of local heritage projects including Belfast City Cemetery, Templemore Baths and HMS Caroline all of which have given him a real passion for preserving historic spaces and making them vibrant and welcoming places for everyone to enjoy. Kerry believes every church has a story worth preserving.
Delegates will be able to choose the breakout sessions that are most relevant to them. Delegates attend 3 sessions and will receive further guidance on how to book these.
This year's breakout sessions are:
Village Catalyst – making the case for investment in rural regeneration projects
- Presented by: Rita Harkin (Development Manager, The Architectural Heritage Fund) and Leah O'Neill (Support Officer, The Architectural Heritage Fund)
- What it's about: AHF’s Northern Ireland team will lead this session based on learnings from the innovative cross-departmental Village Catalyst programme. Attendees will consider the elements required to create a viable, fundable project, including strong governance, and a robust business case based around core community needs.
Lurgan Townscape Heritage: Reflecting on Success, Shaping the Future
- Presented by: Tony Morgan (Programme Manager, Lurgan Townscape Heritage)
- What it’s about: Exploring the impact of the Lurgan Townscape Heritage Initiative on regeneration, historic buildings and community pride. The workshop will reflect on lessons learned, successful approaches and challenges, highlighting the value of partnership working, investment and heritage-led renewal.
Proving Impact in Heritage Projects: Helping Others See the Difference You Make
- Presented by: Neil Anderson (Director, Neil Anderson Media)
- What it's about: Many heritage projects tell powerful stories but struggle to demonstrate their wider value. Through practical exercises, real-world case studies and discussion, this workshop will help delegates communicate impact more effectively to funders, partners, communities and decision-makers.
Community‑Led Heritage in Practice: Learning from the Spaces, Places and Belonging Community Hub
- Presented by: Sophie Anstee de Mas (Community Hub Manager, The National Archives) and Jessamy Carlson (Principal Record Specialist for family, local and community history, The National Archives)
- What it's about: This session will use case studies from community‑led heritage projects funded through the Spaces, Places and Belonging: Community Hub to explore what meaningful collaboration, inclusion and impact look like in practice, and share what the programme administrators learnt from designing and delivering the scheme.
Redruth's Slow Burn: How Grassroots Organisations Use Heritage to Recast a Town's Future
- Presented by: Josh Nawras (Co-founder and Director, The Ladder/Redruth Former Library CIC)
- What it's about: Twenty years of heritage-led regeneration in a post-industrial Cornish town. Drawing on Krowji, Kresen Kernow, the Buttermarket and The Ladder, this session explores how to sustain long-term, community-owned change, with practical lessons for towns elsewhere.
Opening Up the Map: Using Historical Maps for Creative Community Engagement and Storytelling
- Presented by: Polly Garnett (project coordinator for Maps & Memories at the NI Science Festival)
- What it's about: Using the "Maps & Memories" project as a case study, Opening Up The Map is an interactive workshop exploring how digital map viewers and historical Ordnance Survey data can be powerful tools for storytelling and community connection.
Significance, Heritage Impact & More: managing change at your historic site
- Presented by: Nicholas Uglow (Heritage Consultant, Associate, Simpson & Brown)
- What it's about: How well do you understand your historic site? This session uses an interdisciplinary approach to understanding significance, identifying vulnerabilities, constraints, and opportunities. With methods, case studies, and a heritage-focused activity to develop your awareness.
From Vacant to Vibrant: Models for Trusts to Retrofit Historic Buildings into Affordable Housing
- Presented by: Dan Brown (Project Development Officer, Glasgow Building Preservation Trust) and Martin Hulse (Chief Executive, Tyne + Wear Building Preservation Trust)
- What it's about: This talk will explore how trusts can use different redevelopment models to retrofit at-risk listed buildings into affordable homes, drawing on two live projects: three janitor’s houses in Glasgow and the Keelmen’s Hospital in Newcastle.
Using Heritage Enterprise to Drive Heritage-Led Regeneration
- Presented by: Amanda Feather (Head of Built Heritage and Regeneration Policy, The National Lottery Heritage Fund)
- What it's about: Explore how Heritage Enterprise supports heritage-led regeneration by bringing historic buildings back into viable use, bridging conservation deficits and attracting investment. Hear from successful applicants and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Heritage and Neighbourhood Health: how heritage sites and organisations can deliver to this priority agenda
- Presented by: Dr Desi Gradinarova (Senior Policy Adviser (Wellbeing and Heritage), Historic England)
- What it's about: This workshop will explore how heritage organisations can work better with health data, partners and agendas to maximise wellbeing benefits for people and communities - and showcase its wider value to funders and authorities.
Built to last: Lessons from Local Authorities on collaborative working and network building
- Presented by: Sarah Smith (Creative and Heritage Programmes Manager, North East Lincolnshire Council), Sean Dolan (Senior Development Manager, Belfast City Council) and Catherine Casey (Head of Climate Change, the Heritage Council)
- What it's about: Hear from 2 local authorities and a national body on how they are working to build networks, relationships and partnerships that prioritise grassroots action, collaboration, and support across communities, sectors and borders. Come away with an understanding of different approaches and lessons learned.
Turning crisis in action: breaking down barriers to accessing the skills for heritage projects
- Presented by: Beverley Gormley (UK Operations Manager, Heritage Network)
- What it’s about: We’ve all heard that the heritage sector has a skills shortage and is in crisis. This workshop brings the community heritage sector together to identify the skills needed and collectively address the problem.
Empowered Communities: what would it take? A workshop on the future of the sector
- Presented by: David Tittle (Chief Executive, Heritage Network)
- What it’s about: Help the Heritage Network plan the next phase in our development and the future for community heritage. What needs to happen for non-profit heritage organisations to be successful, impactful and their contribution widely recognised?
Youth Engagement in Heritage: A toolkit developed with the Heritage Network Youth Forum
- Presented by: Maya Delayahu, Marlene Schilling, Ulla Todd-Randall (Heritage Trainees, Heritage Network)
- What it’s about: In this session the trainees of the Heritage Network will present the Youth Engagement Toolkit, developed with the Heritage Network Youth Forum, followed by a discussion on potential applications and gaps with the participants.
Balancing Ambition and Survival: Managing a Large Trust
- Presented by: Michael Guy (Chief Executive, Heritage Trust for the North West)
- What it’s about: This workshop will discuss the key challenges facing larger heritage trusts, like cost recovery, cash flow, and core funding, exploring what some of the possible solutions might be. Particularly suitable for large trusts and funders.
The Conference exhibition runs all day; with delegates being able to drop in as it suits their schedule. Here you'll be able to meet suppliers from across the heritage sector who can help with your work.
Exhibitors this year:
- The Architectural Heritage Fund
- Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
- Community Enterprise
- Narro Associates
- Unity Trust Bank
- Squeaky Pedal
- Chana Projects
- Cooper Parry
- Heritage Lighting Matters
- Heritage Council
- Institute of Historic Building Conservation
- Ruth Flood Associates
- Simpson and Brown
- Abbeystone Insurance
- North Belfast Heritage Cluster
- Maritime Belfast Trust
- National Lottery Heritage Fund
- CT: Accountants Advisors
In the final session of the day, delegates will be able to reflect on what they've learned, and hear from:
Revitalising Through Heritage: Place, People and Community Impact
- Presented by: Shane Kelland, Regeneration Manager, Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
- What it's about: Exploring how heritage-led regeneration revitalises places, empowers communities and delivers lasting social, cultural and economic benefits. Drawing on experiences from Richhill, Armagh and Lurgan Townscape heritage projects, the session highlights engagement, investment, place-making and stewardship.
- About the Speaker: Shane supports regeneration and capital enhancements across the Borough’s City, Towns and Villages. He has led Townscape Heritage schemes in Richhill, Armagh and Lurgan, supporting the restoration of key heritage properties and complementary programmes engaging citizens in heritage. Shane also leads on the Council’s partnership with the Heritage Fund under the Heritage Places programme and been involved in developing ABC Borough’s first heritage strategy.
From Quiet Spaces to Community Anchors: Growing Audiences in Historic Libraries and Heritage Sites
- Presented by: Dr Robert Whan (Head of Service Delivery, National Library of Ireland)
- What it's about: Through case studies and practical examples, this talk will examine how audience development, community engagement, and sustainable fundraising can work together to ensure that historic libraries and heritage sites remain vibrant, resilient, and valued spaces.
- About the speaker: Dr Whan is Head of Service Delivery at the National Library of Ireland and a National Museums Northern Ireland Trustee. Previously, he was Director of Armagh Robinson Library and Assistant Keeper at Down County Museum.
- Thank you and closing remarks
Location: Belfast City Hall
Timings: 18:30 - 23:00
The Conference Dinner is a chance to socialise with other delegates, network, and enjoy an evening in the impressive Belfast City Hall.
Tuesday 29th September
Location: to be confirmed
Timings: 07:30 - 09:00
The team will be on hand to answer any questions about the day ahead.
Timings: 09:00 - 13:00
A morning of tours across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area. Delegates will be invited to select which tour they would like to attend. These tours include coach travel, delegates will be picked up in Belfast, taken to their chosen tour via coach, and dropped off at Armagh City Hotel for lunch.
Armagh city's heritage
- Discover the rich architectural story of Armagh on this guided walking tour through some of the city’s recently restored buildings. This tour highlights how a carefully planned cluster of conservation projects has revitalised and strengthened the character of this historic area through the Armagh Townscape Heritage Scheme.
Dan Winter’s cottage: Mud walls of memories
- This tour will include a history of Dan Winter's cottage, its connections to the Battle of the Diamond, and to the weaving and linen industry. Delegates will see demonstrations of a 300-year-old weaving loom and spinning wheels. Tour guide Colin will have stories of his life growing up here as he was reared in the cottage, he will also be able to explain plans for a community hall on site.
Loughgall: Reviving a plantation village
- Join the Loughgall and District Improvement Association for a walking tour of Loughgall village showcasing the built, cultural and natural heritage of the area, and highlighting the association's plans and ambitions for the regeneration of the area.
Lurgan’s restored townscape
- Join the Lurgan Townscape Heritage team for a guided walk through the heart of Lurgan. This tour will showcase the stunning results of recent heritage restoration projects, which have transformed once derelict and underused buildings into vibrant, revitalised spaces. Discover the fascinating history of the town and see first-hand how valuing historic architecture can help create a better place to live, work, visit, and invest.
Location: Armagh City Hotel
Timings: 13:00 - 14:15
Join other delegates for lunch at Armagh City Hotel
Timings: 14:30 - 15:45
An afternoon of tours in Armagh. These walking tours will be around Armagh, tours will set off from our lunch venue Armagh City Hotel.
Armagh city's heritage
- Discover the rich architectural story of Armagh on this guided walking tour through some of the city’s recently restored buildings. As part of the Armagh Townscape Heritage Scheme, this tour highlights how a carefully planned cluster of conservation projects has revitalised and strengthened the character of this historic area.
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium: Past, present & future
- Join the staff of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium for a behind the scenes look in their historic Observatory. Learn about its unique history, and how a Georgian building handles modern crowds. Finally, discover its bold plans for the future and how this will impact not just Armagh and Northern Ireland, but the astronomy community on an international level.
Shaping Heritage Together: Communities at the heart of place [Workshop]
- A workshop looking at the place-based approach that places communities at the heart of heritage decision-making, co-designing a Borough-wide Heritage Strategy, reflecting local aspirations and identity, and fostering long-term stewardship of built, natural, and cultural heritage assets for future generations
St Patrick's cathedrals
- As you approach Armagh, you will notice its most distinctive landmarks right away. From opposite hills, two striking cathedrals face each other across a valley, both honouring St Patrick. This tour will include a short, guided visit to each of these cathedrals, setting off from Armagh City Hotel to St Patrick's Church of Ireland cathedral before heading to St Patrick's Roman Catholic cathedral.
Whaley's Buildings
- A tour around and discussion of Whaley's Buildings, 11 houses restored by the Hearth Historic Buildings Trust in the 1990s following dereliction and bomb damage. The rescue of these buildings was a catalyst for further heritage regeneration in Armagh.
There will be transport to take delegates back to Belfast after the afternoon tours have finished. Delegates will be asked about their return travel plans so we can accommodate them as best we can if they have onward travel before the afternoon tours end.
Get your tickets
Conference 2026 has now sold out. If you missed out on a ticket you can join the waiting list and you will be contacted if a space becomes available.
Bursaries available
This year we will have several bursary places available. These places are designed to give places to those who might not otherwise be able to attend the event due to the cost of tickets and other expenses.
These are split into two categories:
- Northern Ireland – People from smaller community/heritage organisations (20 bursaries)
- UK wide – Early career, student or young person [18-30] (4 bursaries) & smaller community/heritage organisation (1 bursary)
All of the bursaries will include a ticket to the full conference, including all elements across the 3 days, as well as some expenses to help towards travel and subsistence.
The deadline for applications for all bursaries is 5pm on Wednesday 2nd September.
Bursary recipients will be asked to acknowledge their bursary sponsors either at the conference or in a quote or social media post.
We are very grateful to the organisations who have sponsored these bursaries, you can see them and our other conference sponsors further down this page.
Book your tickets for conference (external link)What is a Heritage Network conference like?
Inclusive and safe
We aim for all of our events to be inclusive, safe spaces where everyone’s views and experiences are respected.
Accessibility
We aim to make conference as accessible as possible for all attending. More details about accessibility for the different venues and events will be posted nearer the time. In the meantime, if you have any questions about accessibility, feel free to reach out to us via our Contact Us page.
Useful Information
It's easy to travel to Northern Ireland from England, Scotland or Wales
Green travel
We'll be handing out prizes to any delegate that travel over land and sea by public transport. It's easy and you can get lots of work done on the way. Check out Man at Seat 61's Northern Ireland page (external link) (opens in new tab)for tips and information.
Flying
You can fly to from nearly all GB regional airports to either Belfast International or Belfast City Airports. We will be looking into providing coaches to get you back from Armagh to your chosen airport on Tuesday afternoon.
We recommend delegates stay in Belfast and are sharing hotel delegate booking offers with those who have booked tickets their tickets to the conference.
Northern Ireland is a great place to visit. Here are some ideas from Visit Belfast if you want to extend your stay:
- Things To See & Do (external link) (opens in new tab)
- Places To Eat & Drink (external link) (opens in new tab)
- Sustainable Belfast (external link) (opens in new tab)
- What’s On (external link) (opens in new tab)
- Essential Information (external link) (opens in new tab)
Visit Belfast has put together a selection of exclusive offers and discounts for conference delegates (external link) (opens in new tab) attending events in the city. This link is continually updated.
Our Day 3 Sponsor, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have also put together special offers for delegates wishing to explore the area. From Castles to guided tours, there's plenty to see outside of the Conference.
Discover Navan Centre & Fort with 20% Off
- As part of the Heritage Network Conference, delegates can enjoy 20% off guided tours at Navan Centre & Fort. Simply use promo code HERITAGE20 when booking to receive your discount. Valid until 31 December 2026. Excludes event days and special events.
Discover the Museum of Orange Heritage with Free Admission
- As part of the Heritage Network Conference, delegates can enjoy free admission to the Museum of Orange Heritage at Sloan’s House, Loughgall. Explore the historic building where the Orange Institution was formed following the Battle of the Diamond on 21 September 1795. Simply quote "Heritage Network Conference" on arrival to avail of free admission.
Discover Tayto Tours with 25% Off
- As part of the Heritage Network Conference, delegates can enjoy 25% off a Tayto Tour. Simply use promo code TAYTO25 when booking to receive your discount. Join one of the Tayto Tour Guides on a behind-the-scenes journey through the fully operational factory and see how locally grown potatoes are transformed into the famous Tayto crisps.
Valid from 1 September to 18 October 2026.
Explore Armagh with £5 off Donna Fox Tours
- As part of the Heritage Network Conference, delegates can enjoy a reduced rate of £10 per person (normally £15) on a guided tour with Donna Fox Tours by quoting "Heritage" when booking. Discover the rich history, stories and heritage of Armagh with an experienced local guide. Tours are available for groups of six or more, subject to availability, and evening tours may also be arranged.
Offer available by contacting Donna Fox Tours directly at info@donnafoxtours.com to check availability and make a booking.
(The Heritage Network can not be held responsible for the content of external links.)
Sponsors and Exhibitors
Headline Sponsor
The Architectural Heritage Fund
Day 3 Sponsor
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Bursary Sponsors
Conference Exhibitors
Financially supported by Visit Belfast, Tourism NI and Belfast City Council
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