National Heritage Week 2025 – Exploring Our Foundations
Saturday 16th August – Sunday 24th August 2025

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.

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
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
563 Sligo-Dromahair Local Link bus
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
8. Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre – Oldbridge Estate
9. Portumna Castle and Gardens
10. Sligo Abbey
11. Kilkenny Castle
14. Reginald’s Tower
828/858 Cashel/Thurles/Urlingford – Portlaoise
