A rare chance to peek inside Cork's historic buildings on Heritage Day

More than 40 historic and iconic buildings across the city will throw open their doors to the public for free on Saturday, August 15 for Cork Heritage Open Day.

Organised by Cork City Council, and sponsored by The Echo and C103, the only event of this size and scale happening across Ireland, will incorporate includes tours, talks and family events.

Val Kavanagh, of Cork City Council's Heritage Office said: “For one day only, Cork’s most unique and historic buildings and spaces will open their doors and invite us in to hear the stories that shaped them, and witness the beauty of their architecture.” 

Cork Heritage Day offers a unique opportunity to see the inside of buildings that are normally not open to the public, offering the public the chance to explore the courtrooms in the Cork Circuit Courthouse, learn about 170 years of brewing history in Heineken Ireland and visit the Masonic Hall, home to freemasonry in Cork since 1844.

This year 10 new buildings have been added to the programme, including the Graffiti Theatre in Blackpool which was originally built in 1907 as the Assumption Convent; St Michael’s Church in Blackrock, and Blackrock Castle Observatory.

Visitors will also get the chance to board the LÉ Samuel Beckett, one of the most advanced and recognisable ships in the Irish Naval Service.

Guided tours will take place in The Everyman, Cork Opera House, Triskel Christchurch, National Sculpture Factory, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and Cork City Hall. There will also be walking tours of the Medieval Quarter of Cork, the Old City Walls, Shandon and Patrick’s Street.

Historians

Cork historians will guide people around the city streets, cerebrating the history of areas such including the Medieval Quarter, the Old City Walls, Shandon and Patrick Street. 

 Former Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle will give a walking tour in Turners Cross on Capwell 100 which was the first major social housing in Cork after the establishment of the Irish Free State while a unique walking tour of Cork’s Ordnance Survey Benchmarks will also take place.

There will be talks including from Conál Creedon, Dagmar O’Riain Raedel and genealogist David Ryan and family friendly events at the Cork Public Museum, Butter Museum and Old Cork Waterworks Experience.

While all events are free of charge, some events must be booked in advance at www.corkheritageopenday.ie.