Last year, EHOD was enjoyed by over 40,000 visitors here in the annual two-day culture festival which again promises to delight and entertain across all ages and interests this year.
Environment Minister Arlene Foster MLA launched the 10th Anniversary Event in a very historic building, the former Harland & Wolff drawing offices in the Titanic Quarter, the birthplace of over 1,700 ships most notably the RMS Titanic and her sister ship the RMS Olympic.
Arlene Foster said: “Our European Heritage Open Days events thrive on the enthusiasm and expertise of local people. Over the coming weekend, we will celebrate our rich legacy of built heritage culture in Northern Ireland.
“ I am very grateful to the owners of these buildings who open their doors to provide us all with a rare opportunity to see inside. Last year over 40,000 people took part in the organised events and I do hope that those of you who have participated in previous years will make a return visit and for those of you who have not yet participated I strongly recommend doing so and making this 10th anniversary the most successful event yet.
“There are fine examples of buildings ranging from courthouses and jails to a model village; cathedrals to a lighthouse keeper’s cottage and a traditional thatched building. Most of these properties are not normally accessible to the public. This weekend affords us all a superb opportunity to see what is behind the doors of these wonderful properties and there is something for everyone no matter what age or interest.”
European Heritage Open Days are organised by the Environment and Heritage Service to encourage people of all ages to discover Northern Ireland’s rich architecture. This weekend 8-9 September includes 215 buildings of all descriptions throughout Northern Ireland open to visitors FREE OF CHARGE.
Some of the ‘gems’ in Belfast alone this year are: Harland and Wolff headquarters; St Anne’s Cathedral; Stormont Castle; Crumlin Road Jail; Clifton House; Brooklands; and there will be a Titanic Tour and an Architectural Treasure Hunt.
Notes to Editors:
- Brochures detailing all the opening times of the properties and the various events taking place are available from libraries and Tourist Information Centres across Northern Ireland. Not all are open on both Saturday and Sunday.
- Northern Ireland has been taking part in European Heritage Open Days since 1997 and is celebrating the 10th anniversary of this event. Each year there is a variation of sites and events.
- Last year, around 46,000 members of the public engaged in this weekend long festival of built heritage. This year, it is hoped to be an even greater success as there are over 230 properties and events taking place throughout the country ranging from private houses, public buildings, gardens, churches, hotels, thatched cottages, restored mills, historic monuments, windmills, jails, courthouses and contemporary buildings. In areas of historic interest, special events and walking tours have been arranged to feature buildings of interest in the area.
- In September every year, millions of Europeans visit historic monuments and sites throughout Europe during European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union. Many people take the opportunity to discover not only historic monuments but also less renowned sites that are normally closed to the public. Forty-eight countries took part in 2006.
- Free brochures are available from libraries and tourist information centres throughout Northern Ireland and can be viewed at www.ehsni.gov.uk (click on Built Heritage, click on Events and then European Heritage Open Days).
- For further media information contact DOE Press Office on 02890540003. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
