National Heritage Week 2025: Heritage Open Days at Irish Landmark Trust

Step Inside History with Irish Landmark Trust: Heritage Open Days 2025

Ever wanted to explore inside some of Ireland’s unique historic buildings?
For one day only, we open the doors of our remarkable properties free of charge as part of National Heritage Week and European Heritage Open Days.

These are living conservation projects, lovingly restored by Irish Landmark Trust and given a sustainable future as self-catering accommodation. Usually only available to paying guests, Heritage Open Days are our chance to welcome in all to visit and experience heritage up close for free.

 

National Heritage Week 2025 (Republic of Ireland) — Sunday 24th August 

This year’s theme, “Exploring Our Foundations”, invites us to reflect on the legacies of our past and examine the foundations upon which our communities, cultures, and identities are built. Organised by the Heritage Council, the theme encourages event organisers and participants alike to dig deeper — literally and metaphorically — into the layers that shape our understanding of place, tradition, and change.

From ancient settlements and early industries, to the evolution of traditions, beliefs, and ideas, “Exploring Our Foundations” provides a framework to engage with the many threads of our natural, built, and cultural heritage. It offers an opportunity to uncover stories of place and people, fostering a deeper connection with the past and how it continues to inform the present.

 

Open for self-guided tours between 10am and 4pm:

Dublin

• Merrion Mews, Fitzwilliam Lane, Dublin

Kildare

• Castletown Gate Houses, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
• Batty Langley Lodge, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

Wicklow

• Wicklow Head Lighthouse, Dunbur, Co. Wicklow

Waterford

• Salterbridge Gate Lodge, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford

Cork

• Annes Grove Miniature Castle, Castletownroche, Co. Cork
• Galley Head Lightkeepers' Houses, West Cork
• Killee Cottage, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork
• Elizabeth Fort Houses, Cork City

Clare

• Inchiquin House, Corrofin, Co. Clare
• Loop Head Lightkeeper's House, Co. Clare

Limerick

• Goggin Cottage, Kildimo, Co. Limerick

Sligo

• Schoolhouse at Annaghmore, Co. Sligo

Donegal

• Railway Crossing Cottage, near Donegal Town
• St John’s Point Lightkeepers’ Houses, Co. Donegal
• Termon House, Maghery, Co. Donegal

 

All of our National Heritage Week Events

European Heritage Open Days 2025 (Northern Ireland) — Sunday 14th September 

This year’s theme, "Architectural Heritage: Past Structures, Future Connections," will explore how historic buildings, structures, and landscapes shape our communities—preserving the past while inspiring the future.

Open for self-guided tours between 10am and 4pm:

Newry, Mourne and Down

• St. John's Point Lightkeepers' Houses, Co. Down
• Tullymurry House, Co. Down

Mid and East Antrim

• Barbican Gatelodge, Glenarm
• Blackhead Lightkeepers' Houses, Whitehead, Co. Antrim

Causeway Coast and Glens

• Drum Gatelodge, Bushmills, Co. Antrim
• Kiln Wing, Old Corn Mill in Bushmills, Co. Antrim
• Magherintemple Lodge, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim

Fermanagh Lakelands

• Triumphal Arch Lodge at Colebrooke Estate, Co. Fermanagh

Visit our Event Page for all booking links. 

 

FAQs

Do I need a ticket?
We recommend you register in advance on the booking links, as this helps us prepare for the numbers on the day. For properties such as Wicklow Lighthouse and Blackhead Lighthouse, this is particularly helpful as footfall can be very high. However if you missed out on registering, you can still pop along on the day between 10am and 4pm.

Is there parking?
This varies per property due to the locations and potential numbers on the day. For example, Wicklow Lighthouse has strictly no parking, those arriving by car are required to walk from Glen Beach Cliff Path car park. Please respect local residents at all times.

Can I arrive later than 10am?
Yes! Any time between 10am–4pm. Note that certain periods may be busier, please plan ahead.

Will I get a guided tour?
These are self-guided tours, with information about the property to assist you in your visit.

Can I bring children?
Yes but please supervise them at all times.

Are dogs allowed?
This depends on the property, please see event description for details.

Is it free?
Yes, Heritage Open Days are our chance to welcome the public in at no cost.

Are the properties accessible?
Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier times – and sometimes without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular character but that deserve due care and attention, particularly by the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. Please contact bookings@irishlandmark.com if you have specific accessibility needs so that we can advise further.

 

Why We Open Our Doors

Irish Landmark Trust was founded to save, share, and sustain Ireland’s built heritage. We do this by giving them a sustainable future as self-catering accommodation. As part of our educational remit, we also endeavour to share them publicly wherever we can, so we are grateful for the opportunity to welcome in as many people as possible as part of our Heritage Open Days.

Supported by the Heritage Council.