Walk the streets, discover the stories and meet the families who shaped Rush over the past 100 years.
This August, Rush Tourism is inviting residents and visitors to step back in time as part of its Heritage Week 2026 programme. Through a unique series of guided walks, illustrated talks and storytelling events, Rush 1926–2026: A Walk Through Time will celebrate the people, places and families that have shaped the village over the past century.
Led by local historians Niall Gossan, John Walsh and Declan Costello, the week-long programme explores how Rush has evolved since the 1926 Census. While the village has changed dramatically—with new housing, changing businesses and a growing population—many of the families who helped build its character continue to call Rush home today.
The programme is free, family friendly and open to everyone, whether you have lived in Rush all your life, recently moved to the area, or simply have an interest in local history.
Saturday, 15 August | 2.00pm–4.30pm
Changing Rush 1926–2026: The Families That Built Rush… and Never Really Left
Beginning at Rush Community Centre and finishing at Harbour Park, this guided walk follows the story of one local family to reveal how the village has changed over the past century. Participants are encouraged to bring along old photographs, family stories and memorabilia, which will be scanned and returned on the day, helping to build a lasting community archive for Rush.
Sunday, 16 August | 2.00pm–4.00pm
Kenure Church & Graveyard
Marking the 160th anniversary of Kenure Church, this guided visit explores the history of the church, the people buried there and the families whose stories are woven into the fabric of Rush.
Monday, 17 August | 5.30pm–7.30pm
Kenure Heritage Walk
Beginning at the Kenure Gates, this walk takes in the Pillar, the Portico and the Famine Wall while exploring the history of one of Fingal’s most significant historic estates.
Wednesday, 19 August | 7.00pm
Census: Rush 1926–2026
Hosted by Niall Gossan and John Walsh at The Strand Bar, this evening traces the lives of the families who lived in Rush a century ago through census records, historic photographs and local stories. Visitors are invited to bring their own family photographs and documents for scanning and preservation.
Friday, 21 August | 5.30pm–6.30pm
St Catherine’s Graveyard & Well
Beginning at the Portico, this walk uncovers one of Rush’s oldest historic sites. Hear the story of the Palmer family and their descendants, discover John Walsh’s own family connections, and explore the enduring mystery of Jack the Bachelor’s missing headstone and the search for the location of his grave.
Saturday, 22 August | 11.00am–12.30pm
Millbank to Harbour Heritage Twalk
Join Declan Costello on a guided walk through the heart of Rush, discovering how the village has changed over the last century while many of its best-known family names remain part of everyday life.
Sunday, 23 August | 3.00pm–5.00pm
Kenure House: A Story of What It Was
Beginning at the Kenure Gates and continuing to the Portico, Niall Gossan tells the remarkable story of Kenure House, its people and its lasting influence on the village. Although the house has long since disappeared, its legacy continues to shape Rush today.
Throughout the week, organisers are inviting the community to become part of the project by sharing old photographs, documents and memories. Every image scanned and every story recorded will help preserve Rush’s heritage, ensuring that today’s memories become tomorrow’s history.
Whether you are tracing your own family roots, discovering Rush for the first time or simply enjoying a summer walk with family and friends, Rush Tourism’s Heritage Week 2026 programme offers something for everyone.
All events are free, family friendly and everyone is welcome.
Free tickets are available through Eventbrite. Follow Rush Tourism on Facebook and Instagram for booking links, programme updates and further event information.
