Heritage Week 2025: OPW Announces Free Entry and Packed Programme of Events

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has unveiled a diverse programme of events to mark Heritage Week 2025, taking place from Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 August. As part of the celebrations, over 70 OPW-managed heritage sites that usually charge admission will offer free entry on Saturday 16 August, giving the public a rare opportunity to explore some of Ireland’s most treasured landmarks at no cost.

This year’s theme, “Exploring Our Foundations”, encourages visitors to reflect on the stories, traditions, and landscapes that have shaped Irish life through the centuries. Organised by the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week is now one of the country’s largest cultural festivals, and the OPW’s nationwide schedule includes more than 100 events designed for all ages.

Kevin “Boxer” Moran, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works:

“This year’s theme is very fitting with the conservation projects the OPW has undertaken recently. With over 100 events during Heritage Week and our free admission day on Saturday 16 August, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council:

“National Heritage Week unites Ireland’s built, natural, and cultural heritage in a vibrant festival. Over 25 years, it has deepened public awareness, changed attitudes, and helped safeguard our remarkable heritage assets. The OPW’s stewardship of so many magnificent sites offers people a unique way to experience our shared past.”

Highlights of the OPW’s programme include:

• Local Link to the Past: Use a Local Link ticket to gain free entry to selected sites, including Doneraile Court and Estate, The Rock of Cashel, Glendalough and Clonmacnoise Monastic Sites, Portumna Castle, Sligo Abbey, Donegal Castle, Charles Fort, Ennis Friary, and the Blasket Centre.

• Glendalough Visitor Centre, Co. Wicklow: Family Fun Day with guided tours, LEGO workshops, a simulated archaeological dig, and natural fence building.

• Ross Castle, Co. Kerry: Special historical tours and nature walks exploring Bronze Age mining and biodiversity.

• Battle of the Boyne – Oldbridge Estate, Co. Meath: Living history performances, blacksmithing, and a costumed battlefield walk.

• Sligo Abbey, Co. Sligo: Art, music, and talks, including performances by The Cloister Boys and historian-musician Gregory Daly.

• Ballyhack Castle, Co. Wexford: Medieval-themed workshops and live archery.

• JFK Arboretum, Co. Wexford: Pop-up library, 3D printing, LEGO robotics, and clay workshops.

• Charles Fort, Co. Cork: Illustrated talks in the historic Gunpowder Magazine.

• Waterford Sites: Reginald’s Tower explores naval history, while Dungarvan Castle hosts a wartime railway talk.

• Custom House Visitor Centre, Dublin: Children’s tours, architecture workshops, and a special “Foundations” tour.

• Irish Language Tours: Available at various locations including Doneraile Court, Trim Castle, Emo Court, Kilmainham Gaol, Casino Marino, The Phoenix Park, and Castletown House.

A full events schedule is available at heritageireland.ie and heritageweek.ie.

Free admission applies to OPW fee-paying sites on 16 August, excluding Kilmainham Gaol and Brú na Bóinne.