Cork Heritage Open Day is now in its 20th year

The 20th anniversary of Cork Heritage Open Day will take place on Saturday, August 16 to celebrate the city’s architecture and history.

This year, 35 buildings will open their doors free of charge for one day only, with visitors able to enjoy guided tours, heritage talks, and family friendly events.

Cork Heritage Open Day provides an opportunity to explore buildings that are not routinely open to the public or which charge a fee, such as Quaker Meeting House, Military Museum Collins Barracks, Heineken Ireland, Riverstown House, Cork Baptist Church, and the North Monastery.

The Cork Opera House, which is celebrating its 170th anniversary, will host a guided tour, as will the Everyman theatre, but in Irish Sign Language, as interpreted by Ray Greene.

Guided tours will also take place in English and in Irish in no 66 South Mall, and in the Lord Mayor’s Office and Council Chamber.

VICTORIAN

Meanwhile, a Victorian classroom experience will take place in the Old Cork Waterworks Experience, where children will learn and discover about what Cork was like under Victorian rule.

Costumed Roman soldiers in the Cork Public Museum will also demonstrate how the Romans lived and fought.

The actress Judie Chalmers will bring the story of Nano Nagle to life in Nano Nagle Place, while young and old can explore the naval vessel the LÉ Aoibhinn.

Niamh Twomey, heritage officer in Cork City Council, said she is excited for the 20th anniversary of Cork Heritage Open Day celebration.

“It’s wonderful to see all the buildings who are with us year on year and to welcome the new buildings to our programme.

“The event this year is set to be one of our most exciting so far and I’m very grateful to all the building owners, historians, and volunteers who give their time and expertise so generously.”

For a full list of events, visit https://www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-heritage-open-day/ or pick up a brochure at Cork City Libraries or Cork City Tourist Information Office.