OPW to waive entrance fee for historic Cork sites during Heritage Week

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced two days of free admission to more than 80 heritage sites nationally, as part of National Heritage Week 2024.

People are invited for free to all fee-paying sites in Cork, including at Desmond Castle and Charles Fort in Kinsale, lnacullin, Garinish Island, Fota Arboretum and Gardens, and Anne’s Grove Gardens and Doneraile Court and Estate in North Cork on August 17 and 18.

Speaking at the OPW launch of National Heritage Week, the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kieran O’Donnell, said there is “truly something for everyone to enjoy” and encouraged people to take full advantage of the range of creative, engaging, and imaginative events on offer.

“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.”

Immersive

Head of heritage services and capital-works delivery at OPW, Rosemary Collier, said: “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.

“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.”

An initiative of the Heritage Council, supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, National Heritage Week focuses on engaging with heritage in all its forms whether as individuals, families, communities or organisations.