70 Sites Open Gates for Free Heritage Day

Ireland’s most treasured castles, gardens, ruins and ancient sites will throw open their gates for free on Saturday, August 16, as part of a nationwide celebration of National Heritage Week 2025.

Announcing the initiative from the grounds of Portumna Castle, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, said the move aims to make heritage more accessible to everyone and encourage people to reconnect with Ireland’s rich natural and built heritage.

“With over 70 OPW heritage sites taking part, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy,” said Minister Moran. “From medieval strongholds to biodiverse gardens, this year’s theme, Exploring Our Foundations, speaks not just to the stones and walls that make up our heritage, but to the landscapes and stories that ground us.”

Among the major highlights of 2025 is the reopening of Barryscourt Castle in Cork. Once the stronghold of the Desmond family, the castle has undergone a meticulous conservation and enhancement project, and now welcomes the public with a renewed visitor experience steeped in medieval history.

Martina Moloney, Chair of the Heritage Council, welcomed the OPW’s support: “The OPW cares for some of the most magnificent places in Ireland—places where nature and history meet in extraordinary ways. Whether it’s a towering keep, a tranquil walled garden or a woodland trail, Heritage Week is a perfect moment to explore what’s in your own county or parish.”

Portumna Castle itself is a symbol of this year’s theme. Surrounded by natural beauty on the northern shores of Lough Derg, the 17th-century manor offers a glimpse into Ireland’s architectural evolution and its long-standing bond with the natural world.

Now in its 20th year under the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week continues to grow in ambition and creativity, with local communities, artists, historians, and nature lovers bringing the past to life in events across the country.

This year’s programme includes:

• Pond dipping at the JFK Arboretum in New Ross (August 23), led by biodiversity teacher Lorraine O’Sullivan—a hands-on exploration of aquatic life for curious kids and families.
• A ‘Dinosaur Tree Tour’ through the rare tree species of JFK Arboretum, blending nature with ancient history.
• Charcoal drawing workshops at Sligo Abbey under the banner ‘Art in the Abbey’, alongside traditional Irish music and heritage talks.
• Family Fun Day at Glendalough, with a guided tour and Lego workshops in a stunning glacial valley surrounded by native woodland.
• Ross Castle, Co. Kerry, will host a special tour tracing its transformation from Gaelic fortress to English garrison.
• Old Mellifont Abbey, Co. Louth, invites visitors to recreate medieval floor tile patterns and discover the secrets of Ireland’s first Cistercian monastery.
• Living history demonstrations at the Battle of the Boyne site, where visitors can experience a soldier’s life under the stern watch of a 17th-century drill sergeant.

All events are free of charge on August 16, and many continue throughout the week.

Visit heritageireland.ie or heritageweek.ie for the full calendar and to find nature and history events near you.