In line with the Government’s announcement that museums and galleries could reopen from 10 May, we in the Office of Public Works (OPW) were delighted to commence reopening additional heritage sites from midMay. Safety for all is a priority and OPW staff worked hard to risk assess our historic houses, castles and museums in order to provide access in easy oneway systems to facilitate social distancing. Together with the OPW gardens and parklands that had remained open and accessible to locals throughout lockdown, our reopened heritage sites play an important role in providing important amenities for citizens’ health and wellbeing and in reviving cultural life. To assist the recovery further, admission charges to all feecharging OPW heritage sites are being waived from 14 May until the end of 2021.
Our staff kept busy during lockdown, devising new exhibitions, experiences and fun educational resources to ensure that we had plenty to keep you entertained when we reopened our doors.
At the Coach House Gallery Dublin Castle, visitors can discover a new exhibition entitled ‘100 Lithographs: Dante’s Divine Comedy by Liam Ó Broin’, which is part of this year’s events marking 700 years since the death of medieval Italian poet Dante Alighieri. At Kilkenny Castle, an exciting new experience awaits visitors following an innovative program of reinterpretation of many of the Castle’s period rooms, all laid out with the Ormonde family’s art collection, the 17th century Decius Mus tapestries and intriguing new objects on display.
To mark its reopening, Kilmainham Gaol Museum has mounted a special exhibition of artworks and other commemorative items related to the struggle for Irish independence. Most of these items have either not been on display for many years, or have never been publicly exhibited before.
These and many more new experiences are just waiting for you to explore. For additional information on opening times, booking requirements, etc. please check the individual site pages on heritageireland.ie
Finally, I know you will join me in sending best wishes to our longtime leader and sponsor of OPW Heritage Services, Commissioner John McMahon, who is retiring after over 40 years dedicated service to the OPW.
Maurice Buckley, Chairman OPW