Open day initiative wins award for highlighting Cork city's built heritage

Cork Heritage Open Day has won the 2025 Cork City Heritage Week Award.

Presented by the Heritage Council, the award recognises the huge contribution Cork Heritage Open Day makes to raising awareness of built heritage in the city.

Cork Heritage Open Day, which takes place on the first Saturday of Heritage Week every year, and has been running for 20 years, celebrates the architecture of Cork city, with 40 buildings opening free of charge for one day.

This is the only event of this size and scale in the country, and includes hundreds of walks, talks, and exhibitions on the city’s rich heritage.

The 2025 National Heritage Week Awards recognise the work of National Heritage Week event organisers in creating and running events that highlight built, natural, and cultural heritage.

The County Award Category recognises the work of many groups and volunteers across Ireland for National Heritage Week.

Fantastic

Commenting on the award, heritage officer, Niamh Twomey, said: “Cork City Council is delighted to be recognised in the National Heritage Week awards for Cork Heritage Open Day, especially on the 20th anniversary of this fantastic event.

“The success of Cork Heritage Open Day is down to the hard work of all involved and we are so grateful for the fantastic support from the building owners and members of the public in making this an event that can be enjoyed by all.”

Cork Heritage Open Day is organised by Cork City Council as part of Heritage Week in partnership with the Heritage Council, and is proudly supported by media sponsors The Echo.

Celebration

Chief executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O Sullivan, added: “Cork City Council is so pleased to be awarded a National Heritage Week Award for Cork Heritage Open Day. This event is a great celebration of Cork city’s fabulous buildings and heritage.

“The success of this event is a testament to how much the people of Cork value and enjoy their history and heritage, and the great team within Cork City Council without whom this event would not happen.”