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OPW Celebrates National Heritage Week 2020
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The OPW is proud to celebrate the connections between heritage and education during National Heritage Week 15 - 23 August.
As the summer of indigenous exploration comes to a close, the OPW is encouraging the public to experience the diverse range of heritage properties on their doorstep through this year’s theme ‘Heritage and Education: Learning from our Heritage.’
With a host of activities online and a number of events happening at OPW Heritage Sites, National Heritage Week helps us discover what our heritage can teach us about our past and how it can provide fresh ideas for a sustainable future.
Welcoming news of the weeklong programme Mr. Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, said:
"This year we’re exploring OPW Heritage Sites through the prism of the school curriculum. OPW staff have created a wonderful schedule of online projects with an abundance of activities for young and old, including storytelling experiences, banquet table laying advice, bread making and foraging."
Embracing digital solutions, a large portion of these events will be available to enjoy online at www.heritageweek.ie or on OPW and Heritage Ireland social media channels.
OPW Chairman, Maurice Buckley noted:
"Despite the challenges we face this year we want to support families and young adults enjoy new experiences and challenges that we hope will have a lasting impact. Contact with materials is essential for child development and this is an opportune time to engage young people in using their hands, to get creative and to enjoy the tactile experience of making something, whether its bread, music, art work or working with stone."
If you’re planning a visit to one of the OPW Heritage sites during National Heritage Week admission charges to certain OPW Heritage sites are being waived as part of the government’s recent July Stimulus Plan in an effort to encourage domestic tourism and support the tourism economy.
A full list of the OPW sites and their charging regime is available at www.heritageireland.ie along with additional information on each site including opening times, booking requirements and contact details. Visitors are encouraged to check with the individual heritage sites for booking details prior to travelling, as COVID-19 restrictions do remain in place at many sites.