Free Heritage Site Entry for Local Link Passengers During Heritage Week

• Visitors using TFI Local Link bus services will receive complimentary passes for free admission to heritage sites across Ireland from 16 to 24 August, with Cork's Charles Fort among participating locations.

The Office of Public Works and Department of Transport have expanded their successful 'Local Link to the Past' initiative for Heritage Week 2025, offering rural communities greater access to Ireland's historic landmarks whilst promoting sustainable travel.

The collaboration, now in its second year, supports the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan by connecting passengers with iconic heritage sites including monastic settlements, castles, historic houses and gardens. Passengers simply show a complimentary pass provided by their Local Link bus driver to gain free entry to participating sites throughout Heritage Week.

This year's Heritage Week theme, 'Exploring our Foundations', aligns perfectly with the initiative's goal of making Ireland's heritage more accessible to rural communities. The programme has been expanded to include additional sites following last year's success.

Kevin "Boxer" Moran, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, stated:

"The OPW is delighted to collaborate with Transport for Ireland's Local Link Network in support of Heritage Week this August. Our partnership aims to highlight the Local Link service, and we are delighted to extend this initiative and include more sites so visitors across the country can avail of this fantastic service."

He added:

"We are fortunate to have such iconic sites in rural Ireland on the Local Link network, including Donegal Castle, Sligo Abbey, Charles Fort Military Fortress, and Kilkenny Castle; so I am encouraging everyone to avail of this magnificent service and get out to visit your local heritage site."

Jeremy Ryan, Director of Public Transport Services at the National Transport Authority, said:

"We are delighted to support the 'Local Link to the Past' initiative this Heritage Week, in partnership with the Office of Public Works, to connect our passengers with Ireland's historic landmarks."

He continued:

"The expansion of participating sites underscores our commitment to accessible, affordable, sustainable travel across rural Ireland. By offering complimentary passes for heritage site entry through Local Link services, we're not just supporting public transport: we're celebrating our culture, our history and our communities."

"We encourage everyone to make the most of this initiative and enjoy free access to heritage sites across Ireland during National Heritage Week."

For Cork residents, Charles Fort Military Fortress in Kinsale is accessible via Local Link Route 253C, whilst Doneraile Estate can be reached via Route 523.

To mark the opening of Heritage Week, the OPW is offering free admission to over 70 fee-paying heritage sites on Saturday, 16 August. This special opening day offer extends beyond the Local Link initiative, welcoming all visitors regardless of transport method.

The participating sites span the country and include renowned locations such as Glendalough Monastic Site, the Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny Castle, Battle of the Boyne at Oldbridge Estate, Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, and the Blasket Centre in Kerry. Each site is accessible via specific Local Link routes, with full timetable information available on the Transport for Ireland website.

The initiative forms part of a wider programme of over 100 events at OPW Heritage Sites during Heritage Week. Full details of all events and participating sites are available at heritageireland.ie.

The offer excludes Kilmainham Gaol and Brú na Bóinne on the free admission day. The complimentary pass must be presented at participating sites for free admission between 16 and 24 August 2025.