Heritage Open Doors
Explore historic buildings, access important buildings rarely opened to the pubic with the Heritage Open Day event taking place across Ireland for National Heritage Week 2024.
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 is delighted to announce a pilot programme in conjunction with the Offaly and Donegal Heritage Officers to explore the concept in rural and urban locations.
On Saturday 17th August properties in both counties along with the event in Cork city will give you the opportunity to explore some unique aspects of our built heritage. Explore the full list of properties open below.
Offaly
There are a number of events taking place across Offaly for the Heritage Open Door event. Across Saturday 17th you can explore a number of different locations. From medieval monasteries such as Clonmacnoise, to historic "big house" like 18th century Charleville Castle to the traditional farmstead of Carrigeen Farmhouse, to the modern conversion of a Georgian townhouse that is the Esker Arts Centre. St. Anne’s in Kilcormac offers you a opportunity to see what a modern conversion of a historic property looks like.
You will be able to take a peak at how these buildings and proprieties were used and learn about the many changes that have been made to them over the centuries. Also during National Heritage Week there will be guided tours of Tullamore Courthouse with a chance for you to explore this historical building in Tullamore.
| Event | Location | Time | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Tours of Esker Arts Centre | High Street, Tullamore | 11am-12pm & 1pm-2pm | info@eskerarts.ie |
| Open day at Clonmacnoise | Clonmacnoise | 9am-5.45pm | clonmacnoise@opw.ie |
| Carrigeen Farmhouse Tours | Carrigeen, Birr | 11am-12pm & 2pm-2.45pm | annemaria.egan@gmail.com |
| Open day at Charleville Castle | Tullamore, R35RP77 | 12pm-3pm | dudcastle@gmail.com |
| Open day at St. Anne’s, Kilcormac | Main Street, Kilcormac, R42 X316 | 2pm-2.45pm, 3pm-3.45pm, 4pm-4.45pm | michael.hanna4@gmail.com |
| Carrigeen Farmhouse Traditional Music Evening | 5.30pm-7.00pm | annemaria.egan@gmail.com | |
Donegal
In Donegal there is also a wide variety of events taking place to mark Heritage Open Doors. With its abundance of traditional architecture and buildings, you will find lots to explore.
There are a number of cottages that you can visit including a weavers cottage, the Ardroe thatch, and the Weavers cottage. Or you can visit Teach John Micí Bán where a spinning demonstration will take place. St Connell's Museum in the Glenties which will have on display artefacts from the Great Famine, traditional Irish crafts, and other significant historical events relevant to Donegal.
Alongside that you will be able to visit Teach Micí Mac Gabhann as part of Féile Saibhreas Mhachaire Rabhartaig or you can explore farming heritage at the Gallinagh Museum. Or for a different type of architecture visit Christ Church Mountcharles where you can visit the church but also the "The Hall" house built approximately in the 1750's.
| Event | Location | Time | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christ Church Mountcharles | Christ Church, Church of Ireland, Hall Demesne, Mountcharles, F94 FW73 | 10.00 - 16.00 | davidedrim@hotmail.co.uk T: 087-697 1646 Booking Essential for Guided Tour |
| The Weaver's Cottage | Ionad Cois Locha, Dunlewey, F92 W265 | 10.30 - 17.30 | dunleweycentre@gmail.com T: 074 95 31699 |
| St Connell's Museum | Mill Road, Glenties, F94 V258 | 10.00 - 17.00 | stconnellsmuseumfundraising@gmail.com T: 074 9557880 |
| Ardroe Thatch Cottage | Aghadrennan, Rosnakill, Portsalon, F92 K2W8 | 10.00 - 18.00 | T: 087 292 2499 |
| Teach Mhicí Mhic Gabhann | Teach Mhicí Mhic Gabhann, Derryconnor, Gortahork, F92NP28 | 11.00 - 14.00 | ionadmr@gmail.com T: 0749135556/ 0830769242 |
| Tony Gallinagh's Museum | Backleas, Stranolar, F93 AD62 | 11:00 -16:00 | bsadhs@gmail.com T: 087 644 9368 |
| Teach John Micí Bán | Teach John Micí Bán, Church Road, Carrigart, F92 Y576 | 11:00 - 17:00 | maggiemayb10@gmail.com T: 0872515387/0876448758 |
Other Events
Outside of the Heritage Open Door event, many buildings will be opening their doors especially for National Heritage Week. Members of the Historic Houses of Ireland will open their doors throughout Heritage Week. Take this chance to explore historic homes such as Stradbally House or Slane Castle.
The Irish Landmark Trust will also open their properties for National Heritage Week. You can visit everything from a lighthouse to a converted schoolhouse. Finally the OPW will also open up over 45 properties (except Kilmainham Gaol) for free access for the first weekend of National Heritage Week. Make sure to check listings for your local area as there will be other properties opening up for National Heritage Week.