European heritage open day attracts record number of visitors

A record number of visitors took advantage of a European celebration of built heritage to see some of Northern Ireland’s greatest architectural gems, it emerged today.

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson confirmed around 52,000 people in Northern Ireland took part in over 230 events during this year’s annual European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) between September 13 and 14.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), which hosted the weekend event, confirmed EHOD visitors this year were up by 4,000 people on 2007’s figures.

The Minister said: “EHOD celebrates Northern Ireland’s impressive architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are normally closed to the public or that usually charge for admission.

“Once a year the owners of these buildings, ranging from Castles to thatched cottages, generously throw open their doors providing the public with a rare opportunity to see inside these treasures.

“This year we attracted a record number of visitors, 4,000 more than in 2007, which is a true indication of the popularity of our local heritage both to Northern Ireland visitors and those from further afield.”

This year’s events ranged from guided tours and boat trips to historical re-enactments.

The top ten most popular EHOD locations in Northern Ireland this year were: St George’s Market, Stormont Castle, Parliament Buildings, Palm House (Belfast), Meter House (Belfast), Friar’s Bush Graveyard, Carrickfergus Castle, Dunluce Castle, Richill Castle and Hillsborough Castle.

NIEA Acting Chief Executive Roy Ramsay said: “These figures show that in Northern Ireland, European Heritage Open Days are going from strength to strength.

“In 1997, when it started, 125 buildings opened, there were 20 walks and tours and 12,500 visitors. This year there were almost double the events, with a substantial increase in people attending them.

“Celebrating Northern Ireland’s rich and diverse built heritage is of paramount importance to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and it is impressive to see how visitors are taking advantage of the wealth of attractions available here.”

Notes to Editors:

1. European Heritage Open Days are held annually in September in 49 countries, highlighting not only the dazzling diversity of Europe’s heritage, but also its intercultural links.
2. Every September millions of Europeans visit buildings and sites throughout Europe during the European heritage days which are a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union.
3. For the first time ever in Northern Ireland members of the public were able to access, during the 2008 EHOD weekend, the Benvarden Estate in Co Antrim, the Loughgall estate in Co Armagh, Portaferry Presbyterian Church in Co Down, Portora Royal School in Co Fermanagh, the Foyle Valley Railway Museum in Co Londonderry and Holy Hill House in Co Tyrone.
4. For media enquiries please contact the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.