2017 European Heritage Open Days brochure out now

Date published: 14 August 2017

This year’s European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) promises to be exciting with nearly 400 properties opening their doors to visitors over the weekend of 9 and 10 September, and if that isn’t enough to tempt you to go along then perhaps the FREE entry will!

You may not know this but 2017 marks the 20th year of European Heritage Open Days in Northern Ireland - a special celebration of our built heritage.  The event provides a great chance for to see behind closed doors and experience the magic of our historic environment.

To mark this milestone we have many properties and sites which were first opened in 1997, opening their doors for the 20th anniversary year. Here are just a small selection, browse through the EHOD Brochure for the ‘20’ symbol to discover more.

Our highlights include:

Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Museum, Carrickfergus

Andrew Jackson Cottage
Andrew Jackson Cottage
An 18th century thatched stone cottage restored as a tribute to Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the USA whose parents lived nearby.

The Redoubt in Enniskillen

A hidden historic gem, this stoned-walled redoubt (a built fortification) sits on Windmill Hill, built in 1796 with walls 142 foot long, 20 feet high, 15 feet thick, and a moat 10 foot deep as a fortification to the town's West Bridge and to Enniskillen Castle.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

Armagh Planetarium
Armagh Planetarium
Enjoy a guided tour of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s grounds and gardens – the Astropark with a scale model of the Solar System, the Hill of Infinity, the Around North exhibit and the natural environment of our woodland walk.

Benburb Castle, Co Tyrone

Meet the soldiers that lived here, see weapons demonstrations and hear the history of this amazing place. A new exhibition: Wildlife of the Blackwater Valley will be open; take a wildlife walk with experts and spot some of the creatures in the Valley Park.

Exhibition by Tommy Barr, Banbridge Town Hall, Co Down

“Travels in a Small World” is a retrospective exhibition by Banbridge artist, Tommy Barr, presenting a collection of paintings created over the last 12 years, many as part of major International and European festivals and events. A rare opportunity to view the work of a highly travelled and internationally recognised artist.

Creggan Country Park, Co Derry~Londonderry

As part of our Heritage and Nature theme and Environment Week, explore the fascinating world of bats and meet a rescued bat up close. After dark, go for a walk around the lake with bat detecting equipment. (Suitable for ages 7+ only. Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

Discover Ulster-Scots Centre, Belfast

Come and discover Ulster-Scots music, dance, history and heritage in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Visit the spacious exhibition gallery with live folk music performances, Highland & Scottish ceilidh dance workshops, or try on some period costumes from the early 1600s, and learn more about the historic links between Scotland and Ulster!

The weekend promises to have something for everyone so why not come along and enjoy a little bit of history right on your doorstep?

Download the brochure now and keep up to date with us on Twitter or check us out on Facebook.

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