European Heritage Open Days
European Heritage Open Days is an annual event celebrating local architecture, history and culture, which takes place across Europe on the second weekend in September. In Northern Ireland European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) is run by the Department for Communities with the support of the Council of Europe and the European Commission.
European Heritage Open days (EHOD) 2026
Each year over 250 people open their doors and organise events for EHOD across Northern Ireland.It is a once-a-year opportunity for curious families, architecture lovers and heritage enthusiasts to explore buildings and exclusive sites rarely open to the public. European Heritage Open Days will take place 12 and 13 September 2026.
Across Europe, EHOD events share a common annual theme. For 2026 the theme is:
“Heritage at Risk – Revive, Resist, Reimagine”
This theme invites organisers 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.
Whether through storytelling tours, Why This Place? statements, craft demonstrations, digital interpretation, or creative community projects, the theme offers many ways to reimagine and animate your site for visitors.
If there is a local character you wish to celebrate, a historic area that deserves recognition, or a story about your home, workplace or community that you want to share—EHOD is your opportunity to showcase it. We don’t define “heritage” — that’s up to you.
Registration for EHOD 2026
If you are interested in organising an event or opening a historic property for EHOD 2026, registration will open on 2 March 2026 and close on 10 May 2026.
Our organiser handbook is available to help you navigate the registration process and plan your EHOD 2026 event with confidence.
For more information, contact the EHOD team.
EHOD 2025 review
EHOD 2025 opened its doors across Northern Ireland on 13 and 14 September.
With a wide variety of fascinating talks, tours and lectures as well as brand new places to visit there was something for everyone to enjoy.
A downloadable summary annual report is available.
Sign up for the LoveHeritageNI newsletter
You can keep up to date with all things EHOD and much more by signing up to our LoveHeritageNI newsletter and following us on social media:
FB /loveheritageNI
Instagram/Twitter @LoveHeritageNI
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Once you have been added to our mailing list you will receive the very latest news and information about EHOD alongside tips and advice to help make the weekend a memorable visitor experience
Contact
You can contact the European Heritage Open Day team via Historic Environment Division.