Background

National Heritage Week celebrates all aspects of our natural, built and cultural heritage. One of the aims of National Heritage Week each year is to give those that engage with National Heritage Week the opportunity to explore new places and locations and learn the stories about these locations.

For over 20 years the Cork City Heritage Open Day event has given participants in Cork city to access buildings that would not normally be open to the public; from courthouses to Masonic lodges. This event has become extremely popular in Cork city with over 40 local landmark buildings taking part and attendees enjoying exploring these buildings.

Inspired by the long running success of this programme., the Heritage Council ran a pilot programme in 2024 in conjunction with the Offaly and Donegal Heritage Officers to explore the concept in rural and urban locations. On Saturday 17th August last year properties in both counties along with Cork city gave visitors the opportunity to explore some unique aspects of our built heritage. Explore the full list of properties that took part below.

Want to Know More

Find out about how you can participate in Heritage Open Doors with the fact sheet here. This provides you with all the information you need to take part in Heritage Open Doors as part of National Heritage Week 2025.

National Heritage Week 2025

Heritage Open Doors returns for National Heritage Week 2025 with a bigger participation of buildings planned across the entire island. Details of the buildings taking part will be shared in the coming weeks.

Information for Property Owners/Managers

If you are a custodian of historic building, it might be worth considering participation in Heritage Open Doors. If you manage or own a historic property and want to participate in Heritage Open Doors, you can join the initiative by signing up as a event organiser for National Heritage Week. More information is available here.