Admission charges on all OPW sites are to be waived

Admission charges to all fee-paying open OPW heritage sites are being waived in line with the Government’s recovery and reopening plan outlined in The Path Ahead.

With inter-county travel possible once again and museums and galleries allowed to reopen earlier this week, Patrick O’ Donovan TD., Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today announced the measure aimed at supporting the domestic tourism industry and local businesses relying on it by "incentivising people in Ireland to discover, enjoy and cherish the many OPW heritage sites, parks and museums spread across the country as they plan their staycations this summer. The measure is effective immediately and will remain in force until the end of the year."

“We are in the early stages of the recovery phase of the pandemic, but we are all beginning to enjoy the brighter days we have waited for and looked forward to so much over the past months,” the Minister said today, continuing:

“Throughout lockdown, the OPW kept the parks and gardens it manages in cities and the country open wherever it was possible to do so safely, and, as a result, provided important amenities for our wellbeing in a difficult time.

"Since the careful and gradual easing of restrictions in late April, we have been able to open the outdoor spaces at many historic heritage sites and on Monday this week, the doors of such iconic attractions as Brú Na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Dublin Castle and Kilkenny Castle opened to visitors again.

"With a growing list of open heritage sites and the easing of travel restrictions, we have a renewed opportunity to explore the treasures which the OPW holds in trust for the nation. I think that the initiative I am introducing today as part of the Government’s recovery plan will appeal to people who are exploring options for staycations this year.”

"Before Covid-19, OPW’s visitor attractions would have welcomed over 9 million visitors a year – many of them international visitors – contributing significantly to cultural and heritage tourism in Ireland. 2021 will be different, as all easing of restrictions at OPW’s sites is done carefully and in line with public health guidelines, ensuring the safety of our staff and visitors so that we can continue on the path to recovery.

"However, there are already 54 out of 90 OPW sites with visitor services open either in part or fully around the country, meaning there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy. Neolithic tombs older than the pyramids at Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth and Loughcrew; stone forts like Dún Aonghasa; medieval castles in Trim and Cahir, historic battle fields like the Battle of the Boyne in Oldbridge; magical islands like Garinish Island in West Cork; stately homes sitting in beautifully landscaped parks such as Castletown House in Celbridge, Doneraile Court in Co. Cork, and Emo Court in Co. Laois; the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, Derrynane House, and Patrick Pearse’s summer cottage in Ros Muc to name just a few."

The list is much longer and enticing, and visitors are encouraged to make use of the map on www.heritageireland.ie to plan outings, mini breaks or holidays in order to see which sites are nearby and what their opening and booking arrangements are.

Although Covid-19 restrictions remain in place at the sites that are open, and interior spaces, in particular, are subject to measures to ensure physical distancing can be maintained, with limits on numbers and access to certain closed and confined spaces not available, OPW still hopes to offer visitors an enjoyable and memorable experience in some of the most important historic buildings and sites in Ireland with admission charges lifted for the remainder of the year. At the same time, all OPW-managed parks and gardens that are freely accessible to citizens will continue to play a vital role in facilitating a summer of outdoor activities in line with the Government’s key message to “think safe, think outdoors”.

A full list of the OPW sites is available at OPW Heritage Sites or check www.heritageireland.ie for additional information on each site including opening times, booking requirements, contact details, etc.

Restrictions on availability of certain parts of the visitor experience may not always be fully detailed as these change from time to time and intending visitors are strongly advised to check with the site in advance.

Certain of the busiest sites are available on a pre-booked basis only by online booking, email or phone booking and this will be indicated on the Heritage Ireland website.