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Heritage Ireland

National Heritage Week 2025 – Exploring Our Foundations

 

Saturday 16th August – Sunday 24th August 2025

Heritage Week Launch Portumna Castle

The Office of Public Works (OPW) announced  free admission to over 80 heritage sites on the 16th of August, the opening day of National Heritage Week 2025.

This National Heritage Week, the OPW invites us to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us.

OPW has an actioned packed  programme of over 160  events planned for all ages! From hands on workshops and guided tours to an exciting “Prison Quest”, captivating living history displays, music events and much more. Many of the planned  events will provide opportunities to explore Ireland’s foundations through our built, historical, and natural heritage.

View the Heritage Week ‘What’s On’ Listing

OPW Heritage Week Events Listing

*Free admission to all fee-paying sites except for Kilmainham Gaol Museum.

A female guide and four young girls explore a historic room at Ormond Castle during Heritage Week. The group is gathered around a wooden table, examining a book. Historical portraits and artifacts adorn the walls in the background.
Ormond Castle Credit Dylan Vaughan

Local Link to the Past

As part of this year’s Heritage Week, Transport for Ireland (TFI) have collaborated with the OPW with their local links service, connecting you with history of the past.

From the 16th – 24th August 2025 OPW heritage sites that are participating in the Local Links to the Past scheme are offering visitors free entry when they present their Local Link ticket upon arrival.

This initiative highlights the shared aim between OPW and Department of Transport to encourage sustainable travel, and give people access to the beauty and history of Ireland.

Please see below the full list of participating sites and their corresponding TFI Local Link:

1.  Glendalough Monastic Site and Visitor Centre

Route 183, Sallins to Arklow

 

2. Donegal Castle

292 Ballyshannon to Donegal Town 

293 Glencolmcille to Donegal Town

It is also possible to reach on Bus Eireann’s 30 and 30x, 492, 480, and 64 routes

 

3. Parke’s Castle

563 Sligo-Dromahair Local Link bus 

566 Sligo-Dowra

 

4. Ionad an Bhlascaoid – the Blasket Centre

Route 277a and 277b to Dunquin

 

5. Ennis Friary

318, 331, 335, 337, 339, 342, 344, C23 routes

 

6. Charles Fort Military Fortress

253C Kinsale to Charles Fort

 

7. Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

850 Athlone to Roscrea

 

8. Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre – Oldbridge Estate

163 Brú na Bóinne to Drogheda

 

9. Portumna Castle and Gardens

547 Ballinasloe to Portumna

322 Nenagh to Portumna

 

10. Sligo Abbey

563 Dromahair to Sligo

566 Dowra to Sligo

572 Ballinamore to Sligo

977 Castlerea to Sligo

981 Coolaney to Sligo

 

 

13. Ardfert Cathedral

274 Tarbert to Tralee

 

14. Reginald’s Tower

358 Tramore to Waterford

 

15. The Rock of Cashel

828/858 Cashel/Thurles/Urlingford – Portlaoise

855 Tipperary Town to Cashel 

 

Local Links to the Past - TFI collaborate with Heritage Ireland
Local Links to the Past - TFI collaborate with Heritage Ireland

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