Once a year, every Irish Landmark Trust property opens up the doors and welcomes visitors free of charge, as part of our Heritage Open Days. Read on for how you can get involved – booking links coming soon!
National Heritage Week 2026
National Heritage Week 2026 will take place from 15–23 August, exploring the theme “Heritage At Risk.”
Over the past number of years, the popularity of National Heritage Week has increased year on year. In 2025 there were over 2,500 heritage events across the island of Ireland, a record year for the number of events. This year the Heritage Council invites you to explore the heritage events in your area through the theme of “Heritage At Risk”. Taking place from 15th – 23rd August, this year’s National Heritage Week will give you the opportunity to think about and seek out the heritage places and practices that are endangered and require our attention.
In 2026, National Heritage Week explores the theme “Heritage at Risk” At a time of accelerating environmental change, social transformation, and technological shift, the theme invites us to reflect on what is putting our heritage at risk — and how we can respond with care, creativity, and collective responsibility.
Heritage Open Doors
The Heritage Open Doors event invites you to step inside hidden gems and uncover the stories that have shaped Ireland’s architectural and cultural landscape.
Heritage Open Doors is a national event celebrating Ireland’s built heritage. It offers the public a chance to visit buildings (or parts of buildings) that are not usually accessible. These include:
- Private homes (from thatched cottages to “Big houses”)
- Civic and public buildings (courts, libraries)
- Religious buildings
- Commercial and hospitality venues (hotels, members clubs)
Heritage Open Doors takes place on the first weekend of National Heritage Week 2026.
Learn more at www.heritageweek.ie
National Heritage Week Open Days: Sunday 16th August 2026
The below Irish Landmark Trust properties will open as part of National Heritage Week Open Doors, on Sunday 16th of August. Visitors can avail of self-guided tours between 10am to 4pm. Links to book will be listed below in the coming week.
We look forward to welcoming you.
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
- Head Gardener’s House at Fota House, Fota Island, Co. Cork
Clare
- Inchiquin House, Corofin, 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
BOOKING LINKS COMING SOON!
European Heritage Open Days 2026
The Department for Communities is inviting you to get out and about and explore over 200 of Northern Ireland’s historic landmarks and hidden heritage as part of European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) 2026.
EHOD offers free public access to historic sites, cultural landmarks, and special events across Northern Ireland. This packed programme of events and activities including guided tours, talks and lectures, living history re-enactments, community fun days and more, has something for everyone and is not to be missed!
This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine’ invites organisers and visitors to explore the stories behind the places they care about, airing the physical site with the human voices, memory, craft and culture that bring it to life.
EHOD has grown into a major cultural event, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. EHOD 2025 saw over 65,000 visitors exploring over 370 events across 250 sites.
For more information, please email ehod@communities-ni.gov.uk
Visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/european-heritage-open-days
EHOD Open Days: Sunday 13th September 2026
The below Irish Landmark Trust properties will open as part of European Heritage open Days on Sunday 13th September. Visitors can avail of self-guided tours between 10am to 4pm. Links to book will be listed below in the coming week.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Newry, Mourne and Down
- John’s Point Lightkeepers’ Houses, 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, Bushmills, Co. Antrim
- Magherintemple Lodge, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim
Fermanagh Lakelands
- Triumphal Arch Lodge at Colebrooke Estate, Co. Fermanagh
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. If you missed out on registering, you can pop along on the day between 10am and 4pm, but please be mindful of this.
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 the 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 historic buildings 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.



