OPW Heritage Services – caring for the nation’s past

We are responsible for Ireland’s most important heritage sites. Iconic sites ranging from the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary to Skellig Michael on a small island off the Kerry coast, are just some of the stunning 780 heritage sites in our care.

Our team of dedicated experts look after the buildings, landscapes and collections entrusted to us and make them available to over 12 million visitors each year to learn from and enjoy. Every day we work to make Ireland proud of the fabric of its history.

What we do

Our key job is to manage and maintain the most important of Ireland’s historic buildings and heritage.

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Who we are

We are the people who manage and take care of many of Ireland’s most important historic places.

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Our history

The Office of Public Works came into being in 1831. The organisation’s original functions included looking after civic buildings, administering loans for public projects and building canals.

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