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The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced a special initiative to mark the opening weekend of National Heritage Week 2024. On the 17th and 18th of August, over 80 heritage sites across Ireland will offer free admission, inviting the public to explore the nation’s rich cultural and historical landscape.

Kieran O’ Donnell TD, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works said:

“We are delighted to offer free admission to OPW Heritage sites on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August. With more than 80 sites across the country, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. We hope that the public take full advantage of the range of creative, engaging, and imaginative events on offer for all ages.

A thread that runs throughout National Heritage Week and the wider work of the OPW heritage services is to stimulate interest, meaningful inclusion and community connection. The OPW is pleased to support National Heritage Week to ensure individuals, groups and families can get out and explore all that the country and its heritage attractions have to offer. Our free admission days allow greater numbers of visitors to connect with our past and hopefully gain a deeper appreciation of the breadth and variety of sites cared for by the OPW. Clonmacnoise Monastic Site ties in perfectly with the theme. St Ciarán founded the monastery at this particular location due to its connections. It is accessible over roads but also via the River Shannon. A centre of learning, it became a university of its time, with a network of students all over Europe.”

Rosemary Collier, Head of Heritage Services & Capital Works Delivery added:

“At OPW, we work all year round to protect the heritage sites in our care. We provide the public with access to incredible sites and immersive tours. The theme for this year, ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’ offers the opportunity to explore the ways we are connected to each other through physical or cultural connections. Our sites offer a rich tapestry of crafts and traditions that tell the story of the connections between our people, heritage, communities and culture. With more than 80 sites across the country, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.”

National Heritage Week, running from the 17th to the 25th of August 2024, will focus on the theme “Connections, Routes and Networks.” Visitors are encouraged to explore the physical and cultural connections that bind communities and highlight Ireland’s rich heritage. Highlights include the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, showcasing an Iron Age road, and Derrynane House, where a 190-year-old poem led to the discovery of a lost pathway.

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive at the Heritage Council welcomed the initiative:

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome the OPW’s decision to open over 80 of its sites for free admission during the opening weekend of National Heritage Week in 2024 – a testament to the excellent partnership we have shared with the OPW over many years. It will bring immense benefits to the public, allowing families and visitors to experience some of the richest and most beloved heritage sites in Ireland. National Heritage Week is a fantastic festival of events, where everyone from big organisations to small voluntary community groups come together to make significant contributions to the celebration of our national heritage.”

A full programme of OPW National Heritage Week events will be announced in the coming weeks. Events will include collaborations between OPW and NPWS guides at Glendalough, a community-generated exhibition at the National Botanic Gardens, and an exploration of medieval pilgrimage at the Rock of Cashel.

Please note that Kilmainham Gaol Museum is excluded from the free admission offer. For a full list of OPW Heritage Sites, visit heritageireland.ie. For more information on National Heritage Week, visit heritageweek.ie.

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