Lyons encourages everyone to celebrate history and culture at European Heritage Open Days 2025
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Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the 28th annual European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) taking place Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the 28th annual European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) taking place Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September.
Over this weekend you can explore heritage in Northern Ireland by visiting a variety of venues and events including historic cottages, mills, private houses, walks, talks and much more.
Minister Lyons said:
“European Heritage Open Days are an opportunity to visit and engage with our local heritage and try out new experiences, all of which are free. This year, I launched EHOD on a visit to the amazing Riddel’s Warehouse in Belfast, one of the many places you can visit in September.
“The EHOD theme this year is ‘Architectural Heritage – Past Structures – Future Connections’, which focuses on bringing together the past and present through this heritage festival featuring architecture, workshops, talks, hidden spaces, walks and activities, with something to interest everyone, young and old.
“The European Heritage Open Days initiative has grown in scope and scale, and its continued success is due to the efforts of a wide range of communities and individuals which help deliver a mainly volunteer-led programme. The open days are for everyone and I would urge people to download the e-brochure or visit the app and website to plan out your European Heritage Open Days weekend experience.”
With over 260 venues taking part in this annual event, it provides a unique opportunity for everyone to see ‘behind closed doors’ and explore the wonderful shared cultural heritage right on our doorstep.
Highlights this year include:
- A tour of Belfast Castle;
- See behind the scenes at the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division Conservation Works Depot in Moira;
- Tour the Primate’s Palace, Armagh, a beautiful neo-classical building dating from 18th century;
- Open Day at St. John's Point Lightkeepers' Houses in Co. Down;
- Join a walking tour of Ebrington Barracks with DfC's Principal Conservation Architect Manus Deery as he examines the development of the site and its fortifications over 162 years.
A digital brochure including a list of venues and events can be found at European Heritage Open Days | Department for Communities or you can map out your weekend using the EHOD WebApp here: EHOD 2025
Whilst all events are free, some require pre-booking. To avoid disappointment, check out European Heritage Open Day Northern Ireland | Discover NI and @loveheritageni on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons with Alastair Rankin MBE, Chair of Hearth Historic Buildings Trust marking the launch of European Heritage Open Days 2025 at Riddel’s Warehouse, Belfast.
- In Northern Ireland, European Heritage Open Days is run by the Department for Communities with the support of the Council of Europe and the European Commission.
- Riddel’s Warehouse is situated in Ann Street and is a Grade B+ listed building and a remarkable survival of Belfast’s industrial past. It is owned by The Hearth Historic Buildings Trust who acquired the building in 2014 with the aim of restoring it and bringing it back into use as a creative hub. It is currently closed to the public for conservation works but will be participating in this year’s event.
- Pre-booking is required for some events so book early to avoid disappointment.
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