Free Admission Day to 70 Sites for National Heritage Week Opw
This year's theme is 'Exploring Our Foundations' and invites visitors to delve into the building blocks of our heritage - not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us.
Speaking at the OPW launch of National Heritage Week at Portumna Castle, Minster of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said: 'We are delighted to offer free admission on the opening day of Heritage Week, on Saturday, August 16. With over 70 heritage sites on offer, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
"The theme of Heritage Week this year is very fitting with the range of conservation projects that the OPW has undertaken in recent times."
Minister Moran noted that in April, the OPW announced the "much-anticipated" reopening of Barryscourt Castle in Cork.
He said: "After an extensive programme of conservation and enhancement, this historic stronghold has once again opened its doors to the public, offering a renewed visitor experience at one of Ireland's most evocative medieval sites.
"We are pleased to support National Heritage Week to ensure all individuals, groups, and families enjoy what is on offer at sites across the country".
Martina Moloney, chair of the Heritage Council added: 'It's wonderful to see the OPW opening the gates of its remarkable heritage sites to everyone free of charge again this year.
"I would encourage everyone to seize this opportunity to explore an OPW site - whether it's a towering medieval castle, a peaceful walled garden, or a historic house that tells the story of generations.
According to Moloney, "National Heritage Week is a "time to step out and discover what's on your own doorstep".
"Across the country, passionate local people are bringing their heritage to life through talks, walks, exhibitions and community celebrations.
"This is a chance to connect with the stories, places, and traditions that shape who we are.'
In support of the 20th anniversary of National Heritage Week being run by the Heritage Council, the OPW will once again host a significant programme of events.
A Family Fun Day will take place at Glendalough, which will include a tour and Lego workshop.
A specially curated tour will take place at Ross Castle, Co. Kerry where visitors can learn about the building's transformation from the medieval home of the Gaelic O' Donoghue's to an English military barracks and now a significant tourist attraction.
Sligo Abbey will be the setting for 'Art in the Abbey', a day of charcoal drawing suitable for all ages. The abbey will also host a number of traditional Irish music and talks throughout Heritage Week.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Agriland
2 days ago
- Agriland
Free Admission Day to 70 Sites for National Heritage Week Opw
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced free admission to over 70 heritage sites on Saturday, August 16, to celebrate National Heritage Week 2025. This year's theme is 'Exploring Our Foundations' and invites visitors to delve into the building blocks of our heritage - not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us. Speaking at the OPW launch of National Heritage Week at Portumna Castle, Minster of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said: 'We are delighted to offer free admission on the opening day of Heritage Week, on Saturday, August 16. With over 70 heritage sites on offer, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. "The theme of Heritage Week this year is very fitting with the range of conservation projects that the OPW has undertaken in recent times." Minister Moran noted that in April, the OPW announced the "much-anticipated" reopening of Barryscourt Castle in Cork. He said: "After an extensive programme of conservation and enhancement, this historic stronghold has once again opened its doors to the public, offering a renewed visitor experience at one of Ireland's most evocative medieval sites. "We are pleased to support National Heritage Week to ensure all individuals, groups, and families enjoy what is on offer at sites across the country". Martina Moloney, chair of the Heritage Council added: 'It's wonderful to see the OPW opening the gates of its remarkable heritage sites to everyone free of charge again this year. "I would encourage everyone to seize this opportunity to explore an OPW site - whether it's a towering medieval castle, a peaceful walled garden, or a historic house that tells the story of generations. According to Moloney, "National Heritage Week is a "time to step out and discover what's on your own doorstep". "Across the country, passionate local people are bringing their heritage to life through talks, walks, exhibitions and community celebrations. "This is a chance to connect with the stories, places, and traditions that shape who we are.' In support of the 20th anniversary of National Heritage Week being run by the Heritage Council, the OPW will once again host a significant programme of events. A Family Fun Day will take place at Glendalough, which will include a tour and Lego workshop. A specially curated tour will take place at Ross Castle, Co. Kerry where visitors can learn about the building's transformation from the medieval home of the Gaelic O' Donoghue's to an English military barracks and now a significant tourist attraction. Sligo Abbey will be the setting for 'Art in the Abbey', a day of charcoal drawing suitable for all ages. The abbey will also host a number of traditional Irish music and talks throughout Heritage Week.
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Irish Times
Would you like to work on the Connemara coast where Patrick Pearse spent his summers?
How would you like to work on the rugged Connemara coast where 1916 Easter Rising leader Patrick Pearse spent his summers? Well, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is extending that opportunity to suitably qualified catering professionals, as it has put out a call for applications to run the cafe at Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh until the end of the year, with the chance to extend the contract for another two years. The government agency's request for tender invites suppliers to provide catering services, under a catering services concession, for tea rooms or a cafe. Pearse built his cottage at Ros Muc as a retreat and spent his summers there from 1903 to 1915. It is said he drew inspiration from the surrounding landscape for his poems and short stories, and operated a summer school there for his students from St Edna's, the Irish-language school Pearse founded in Dublin in 1908. READ MORE Patrick Pearse's cottage in Ros Muc. Photograph: Fáilte Ireland Bedroom at Pearse's cottage. Photograph: Kitchen at Pearse's cottage. Photograph: The whitewashed cottage has been maintained as Pearse left it in 1915, sparsely furnished with mahogany pieces, with a quintessential kitchen hearth. A short walk from the cottage is the contemporary visitor centre – home to the cafe – where the exhibition explores what drew Pearse to Connemara: from its unique landscape to its local culture and use of the Irish language. Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh visitor centre. Photograph: OPW Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh visitor centre. Photograph: OPW Cafe space at the visitor centre. Photograph: Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh is located an hour from Galway city and is on the Wild Atlantic Way. The site has increased its visitor numbers in recent years, welcoming 19,952 visitors in 2024, up from 17,399 in 2023, according to the OPW. Interested parties can find information on how to apply on the OPW website , but they will have to act fast as the closing date for applications is 12pm on Thursday, July 31st. 'We are looking to get someone in situ as soon as possible after the closing date as the cafe is currently closed. This is a busy time for the centre, with bus and cycling tours along with passing tourists and local regulars,' a spokeswoman for the OPW said.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
‘An unreal feeling' – Athlone's US import Kelly Brady on playing in the Champions League and needing a day off work
Her dad is from Co Monaghan and her maternal grandfather is a Galway man, so her roots in Ireland were strong before she landed in the midlands, to the extent that Brady played Gaelic football back in Connecticut. Those links will be clear to see – and hear – when family will make up part of the attendance on Wednesday night as Brady lines out for Athlone in their debut on the European stage. Town host Cardiff City in their Champions League qualifier, with another game – also at home – against Croatian outfit Agram on Saturday, should the Irish club outwit a more experienced Welsh team. It's a major occasion for Athlone to host the game, but it's also a big deal for Brady to play in a tournament she's only seen on TV before, either in the men's game or Katie McCabe's triumph with Arsenal earlier this year. "Just the name itself, names like Chelsea and Arsenal, all those big teams that are playing in this league. It's a dream,' says Brady ahead of her Champions League debut, also a first for Athlone women's team. 'As a little kid, those are the teams that you want to one day go and play for, you're watching them at home, everyone watches. I've gotten a few funny questions like, 'Oh, are you guys going to be playing Chelsea?'. Obviously not, hopefully one day we can work our way up, but it's great to be on a similar stage to those teams and those great, talented players. 'It's an unreal feeling. I think we've sold up to 1,100 tickets now. The excitement, the buzz has really gone around the team. It's exciting and we hope to get a good result.' The Irish background did help her to settle, but Brady has found her feet in Athlone: 'I've found it great. The girls have been so welcoming, the team, I think is doing great. We have a lot of talent in our team and that helps everyone out. "Playing with great players only contributes to your success individually and on the team. I've loved Athlone, got myself a little job here. My family has visited a bunch of times, and they love it too. It's great,' says Brady, who hopes her time in the league here can help her catch the eye of Ireland boss Carla Ward and advance her international career. Life as a part-time player in Ireland means that football income alone won't sustain someone, so Brady also works as a barista in a local cafe. She has already requested this Saturday off, hopeful they will have secured a weekend clash with Agram by then.
