Cork's Heritage Open Day to be rolled out nationwide
The much-loved Cork City Heritage Open Day event has been running for over 20 years as part of National Heritage Week, giving people a rare opportunity to explore buildings not normally open to the public — from courthouses to Masonic lodges.
Over 40 local landmark buildings took part last year, giving thousands of people the chance to explore them.
Inspired by the success of the Cork programme, the Heritage Council ran a pilot initiative last year in conjunction with the Offaly and Donegal heritage officers to explore the concept in rural and urban locations.
It was a success and has inspired the expansion of the Cork tradition nationwide this year.
Meanwhile, details were announced on Wednesday of this year's Heritage Open Day in Cork on August 16 to mark the start of National Heritage Week.
It will for the first time include the Cork Butter Museum, the YMCA building, St Luke's Church in Douglas and the Firemen's Rest outside the city fire station — the smallest building taking part in Cork Heritage Open Day.
Clíona Harte and Cork City Council heritage officer Niamh Twomey at the Cork Heritage Open Day launch event. The day of free events marks the start of Heritage Week. Picture: Darragh Kane
Other buildings not routinely open to the public, or which charge a fee, and which will be taking part this year, include the Quaker Meeting House, the Military Museum at Collins Barracks, Heineken Ireland, Riverstown House, Cork Baptist Church and the North Monastery.
Guided tours will also take place in English and in Irish in AIB 66 South Mall and in the Lord Mayor's office and council chamber in City Hall.
A work in progress event will take place in Civic Trust House offering insight into a new project exploring the history of 50 Pope's Quay and its neighbourhood.
A Victorian classroom experience will take place in the Old Cork Waterworks where children will learn about Cork under Victorian rule.
Costumed Roman soldiers in the Cork Public Museum will demonstrate how the Romans lived and fought.
Actress Judie Chalmers will bring the story of Nano Nagle to life in Nano Nagle Place while people can explore the naval vessel the LÉ Aoibhinn which will be in the city for the event.
Cork historians will deliver historical guided street walking tours in locations such as St Patrick's Street, the Coal Quay and the Middle Parish.
For those looking to explore further the streets of Cork, a Victorian scavenger hunt will take place in the Victorian Quarter of the city.
Guided tours will also take place in St Joseph's Cemetery led by Liam O' hÚigín and Finbarr Barry, and in The Gunpowder Mills led by Tadgh O'Connor.
Diarmuid O'Drisceoil will give a talk on the story of Beamish and Crawford in the former Cork Savings Bank, Rachel Finnegan will give a talk in St Lukes Church Douglas on the Reeves family who occupied Tramore House in Douglas in the 19th century, and members of the Shandon Area History Group will speak about the monuments and memorials at St Anne's Church.
While all events are free of charge, some must be booked in advance.
Check out www.corkheritageopenday.ie for a full list of all events
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