Discover cultural heritage right on your doorstep

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has encouraged everyone to celebrate history and culture at European Heritage Open Days 2025.

Over the 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.

Department for 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

placeholder image — Department for 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

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 in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area this year include:

Open Day at Tullymurry House, Newry – Tours and walks (Sun 14th)
Newry and Mourne Museum – Explore the history of the region (13th and 14th Sep)
Castle Ward – Living history, storytelling and tours (Sat 13th)

A digital brochure including a list of venues and events can be found at the Department for Communities website or you can map out your weekend using the EHOD WebApp.

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.