Northern Ireland European Heritage Open Days 2019

The Department for Communities today invited the public to get involved in this year’s European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) Weekend which takes place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September 2019.

History and culture will be brought to life and celebrated across Northern Ireland with over 340 properties taking part. European Heritage Open Days is one of Northern Ireland’s largest free annual events and provides a unique opportunity for everyone to see ‘behind closed doors’ at a variety of historic places, many of which are not normally open to the public.

There is something for everyone to enjoy with a host of cultural events and activities taking place at properties reflecting this year’s theme of Arts and Entertainment, from puppet shows and treasure hunts to living history re-enactments, film screenings and art displays.

European Heritage Open Days are the most widely celebrated participatory cultural events shared throughout Europe. Now in their 22nd year in Northern Ireland, their popularity has continued to increase year on year.

This year’s event was launched at HMS Caroline in Belfast, one of the venues participating in this year’s event.

Speaking at the launch, Moira Doherty, Deputy Secretary at the Department for Communities, said: “The Department for Communities aims to help communities to appreciate and realise the value of our rich historic environment. European Heritage Open Days are a key opportunity for everyone to do this, whether by visiting a new place or taking part in a new activity.

“I believe that this year’s theme of Arts and Entertainment will appeal to all ages and would encourage everyone to take this opportunity to visit the wealth of historic properties involved and take part in the many free events and activities happening across Northern Ireland to celebrate our heritage.

“European Heritage Open Days is going from strength to strength each year with over 75,000 people turning out last year. This year’s offering is more varied than ever, reflecting the depth and diversity of our heritage. From living history re-enactments at Devenish Ecclesiastical Site founded in the 6th century, to a Titanic Taster Photography Tour exploring Titanic Quarter’s maritime heritage, there is something for everyone.

“Brochures are available from Visitor Information Centres, libraries, council offices and are available to download at https://discovernorthernireland.com/ehod/.”

Whilst all events are free, some require pre-booking. To avoid disappointment check out https://discovernorthernireland.com/ehod/ and @ehodni on Twitter and Facebook and @loveheritageni on Instagram.