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Organised by Cork City Council in partnership with the Heritage Council, Cork Heritage Open Day is set to take place on Saturday, 17th August, marking the beginning of National Heritage Week, which runs in Cork until 25th August.

For one day only, over 40 historic and heritage buildings in Cork will open their doors to the public for free. This celebration of the city’s built heritage provides a unique opportunity to explore landmarks such as the Masonic Hall, Quaker Meeting House, Military Museum Collins Barracks, Carpenters Hall, Heineken Ireland, Cork Savings Bank, Backwater Artists Group, and Riverstown House, which are not usually accessible to the public.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying:

“I am delighted to see such a busy programme for Cork Heritage Open Day celebrating the fascinating heritage of Cork city. I commend all those involved especially the building owners and event organisers, who generously give their time free of charge and without whom this event simply would not happen.”

Cork’s history will be brought to life through a variety of historical guided walking tours led by local historians in areas such as Jewtown, Shandon, McCurtain Street, Douglas Street, and the Middle Parish. Over ten free walking tours will be available on Cork Heritage Open Day. Highlights include discovering key geological locations in the city with Thomas Heising, exploring the shopping and business history of the VQ area with Danielle O’Donovan, learning about the history of Douglas Street and Red Abbey with David Ryan, participating in a musical walk of Cork’s Jewish history with Ruti Lachs, and enjoying a historic stroll through the Coal Quay with Michael O’Donovan.

Guided tours extend beyond the city streets. Liam O’ hÚigín and Finbarr Barry will lead a tour of St Joseph’s Cemetery on Tory Top Road, while Tadhg O’ Connor will offer insights during a walk and talk at the Gunpowder Mill in Ballincollig.

A special feature of Cork Heritage Open Day is the docking of the LÉ Aoibhinn Naval Vessel in Cork City Docks. This will be the ship’s first visit to Cork since joining the Irish Naval Service from the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2023. The LÉ Aoibhinn, measuring 55 meters in length and capable of a top speed of 25 knots, promises to be a highlight of the day.

Several free talks will also be held, showcasing the history and people of Cork:

• Adrian Mulligan from the Frederick Douglass Group will lead a walking tour and talk on Frederick Douglass at the Imperial Hotel.
• Shandon Area History Group will present a talk at Bells Field on the unique views from Audley Place and the rich history of the area.
• Military Historian Gerry White will discuss the Siege of Cork at St Peter’s Cork.
• Ciara Brett and John Sunderland will speak about recent archaeological excavations at 92 to 96 North Main Street.
• Diarmuid O’ Drisceoil will deliver a talk on the Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway from 1850 to 1932 at Cork City Library, featuring ISL Interpretation Services.

While all events are free, some require advance booking. For a complete list of events, pre-booking requirements, and details on starting times and meeting points, visit www.corkheritageopenday.ie. Additional information on events during National Heritage Week can be found at www.heritageweek.ie.