Historic NI landmarks open their doors to public

Some of Northern Ireland's most significant historic buildings and landmarks will fling their doors open to the public this weekend as part of a tourism-driven '˜heritage open' days' event.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Sep 2016, 13:43 BST
Updated 12th Sep 2016, 18:17 BST
Bangor Castle, a large Victorian mansion built for Hon. Robert Edward Ward in 1852, will host guided tours every 30 minutes from noonBangor Castle, a large Victorian mansion built for Hon. Robert Edward Ward in 1852, will host guided tours every 30 minutes from noon
Bangor Castle, a large Victorian mansion built for Hon. Robert Edward Ward in 1852, will host guided tours every 30 minutes from noon

Visitors are invited to view historic country manors, cottages, mills and forts that aren’t normally open to the public, as part of the two-day event known as the European Heritage Open Days.

Rachel Quigg from Tourism NI said: “Northern Ireland is set to become a hive of activity on September 10 and 11 when European Heritage Open Days unlock the doors to the past and present, allowing the public free entry to lots of different and fun places.

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“Families won’t be stuck for something to do, there is something for everyone and to suit all ages, from quizzes and treasure hunts to food and craft markets, walking tours and much, much more.

Petrel is a retired Commissioners of Irish Lights, Light Vessel built in Dublin 1911 with visitors invited to come onboard, in Newtownards, for toursPetrel is a retired Commissioners of Irish Lights, Light Vessel built in Dublin 1911 with visitors invited to come onboard, in Newtownards, for tours
Petrel is a retired Commissioners of Irish Lights, Light Vessel built in Dublin 1911 with visitors invited to come onboard, in Newtownards, for tours

“Why not try something completely new and visit a property that is not normally open to the public such as family-owned and maintained Ennish Scutch Mill in Dungannon, Rocklands House in Carrickfergus and Killymoon Castle in Cookstown.”

Events tomorrow and Sunday are taking place in all six counties in Northern Ireland, over 340 events in total, and all are free of charge.

In Co Antrim, for example, Pogue’s Entry Historical Cottage will host living history and craft displays to bring the childhood home of Dr Alexander Irvine, author of ‘My Lady of the Chimney Corner’, to life.

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Other highlights include a re-enactment of life during the iron age at the Navan Centre and Fort, while the Downpatrick and Co Down Railway will be running vintage steam and diesel trains between Downpatrick and Inch Abbey with visitors able to hop on for a free ride.

For more details, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.