Poots launches European Heritage Open Days

Over 260 events will take place from 11-12 September, across Northern Ireland as part of European Heritage Open Days (EHOD)

This celebration of built heritage, which is organised by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), is designed to encourage people of all ages to discover Northern Ireland’s rich and diverse architecture and heritage.

Talking about the events the Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: "During the weekend Northern Ireland will see over 260 events taking place as part of EHOD which include the opening of many buildings which are otherwise closed during the rest of the year.

"The diversity of our built heritage is evident with cathedrals to cottages, mills to former military bases and a few castles opening their doors free of charge this weekend."

Some of the events and properties to visit over the weekend include:· A chance to visit BBC Broadcasting House and see BBCNI’s radio and television studios.

• Carrickfergus Castle will be brought to life with Williamites and Jacobites giving demonstrations of muskets, pikes and camp life.
• A walking tour highlighting the history under Belfast’s streets lead by author Ruairi O’Baoill.
• A special evening at Armagh Planetarium discovering the major stars and constellations that are visible from Ireland.
• An opportunity to enjoy a tour of Ebrington Barracks in Londonderry.
• A 100km bike ride following the course of the Blackwater, passing through three counties and three historic estates – Castle Leslie, Tynan Estate and Favour Royal.
• Meet the miller and his wife as they go about their day and explain the wind powered technology, from wheat sheaf to baked loaf, at Ballycopeland Windmill.
• Operating signalling equipment and sending messages by Morse Code at the Headhunters Railway Museum, Enniskillen.

The Minister added: "European Heritage Open Days celebrates our built heritage, its importance in our lives and the quality of our life. It is facilitated by local people who dedicate their spare time to opening properties and arranging events, and it is their knowledge and enthusiasm that makes European Heritage Open Days happen.

"I wish to offer my thanks to all those owners who are so generously giving up their time and opening their buildings to the public."

Minister Poots launched this year’s EHOD at The Hat Shop in Bridge Street, Lisburn which has been part of the Heritage Lottery Fund ‘Townscape Heritage Initiative’ Project and is an excellent example of high quality heritage regeneration.

European Heritage Open Days brochures are available from your local library or Tourist Information Centre, alternatively log on to the Wonderfulni website  to find out more about properties opening near you.

Notes to editors:

1. EHOD is now in its thirteenth year in Northern Ireland and last year attracted over 56, 000 visitors.
2. Virtual Visit NI has once again teamed up with NIEA to produce a feature on the European Heritage Open Days. Two properties from Belfast & two from each County were chosen and you now can take a virtual ‘jump’ into some of the wonderful properties featured in this years event, some well known, others not. Let your curiosity get the better of you! Take a European Heritage Virtual Visit at the virtualvisit website
3. All media inquiries should be directed to the Department of the Environment Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.