Office of Public Works and Transport for Ireland collaborate to promote sustainable travel this National Heritage Week
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From: Office of Public Works
- Published on: 12 August 2024
- Last updated on: 12 August 2024
This year’s theme for National Heritage Week is Connections, Routes and Networks. Inspired by this, the Office of Public Works (OPW) are incentivising visitors to use the Local Links rural public transport service to access twelve heritage sites across Ireland. This is the first year that the OPW and the Department of Transport are rolling out this exciting initiative.
OPW heritage sites participating in Local Links to the Past will grant free admission to visitors who take the Local Links service from Monday 19 to Friday 23 August. To avail of this offer, present your Local Link ticket at reception. A full list of participating sites and the corresponding Local Links services are available on www.heritageireland.ie.
The Transport for Ireland (TFI) Local Link Service is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, a major national transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority, with the aim of increasing connectivity and a sustainable method of travel, particularly for people living outside major cities and towns.
Minister of State for the OPW Kieran O’Donnell said:
In Partnership with Transport for Ireland, the OPW are highlighting the Local Links services that bring visitors to iconic sites in rural Ireland, including the Glendalough and Clonmacnoise Monastic Sites, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery and Ionad an Bhlascaoid – the Blasket Centre. This campaign underlines the OPW’s commitment to advancing sustainable solutions.
Sustainability and climate action are at the core of the Office of Public Works’ Statement of Strategy and the OPW is committed to a vision that strives for harmony between our built and natural environments. Collaboration across Government and engagement in communities are key to this endeavour.
Minister for the Department of Transport Eamon Ryan said:
National Heritage Week is an opportunity for us all to connect with the historic sites that have shaped Ireland’s past. There is no better way to shape Ireland’s future than by choosing sustainable transport methods to explore the beauty and cultural richness that Ireland has to offer.
I warmly welcome this initiative to offer free admission to those who travel by Local Link to participating heritage sites, and encourage people to take advantage of it.
Sites participating in the Local Link to the Past campaign:
Glendalough Monastic Site and Visitor Centre
Route 183, Sallins to Arklow
https://locallinkckw.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/TFI-LL-R183-Sallins-to-Arklow-WEB5.pdf
Donegal Castle
292 Ballyshannon to Donegal Town and 293 Glencolmcille to Donegal Town
https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TFI-LL-DSL-R292-Dec23-WEB-FA.pdf
https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/293-Glencolmcille-to-Donegal-Town.pdf
It is also possible to reach on Bus Erieann’s 30 and 30x, 492, 480, and 64 routes
Parkes Castle
563 Sligo-Dromahair Local Link bus and the 566 Sligo-Dowra
https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Route-563Timetable-FA.pdf
https://locallinkdsl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/129551-SITT-TT-566-Dowra-to-Sligo-6pg-DL.pdf
Ionad an Bhlascaoid – the Blasket Centre
Route 277a Dingle Daingean Uí Chúis – Ceann Trá – Baile an Fheirtéaraigh – Dún Chaoin
https://www.locallinkkerry.ie/dingle/
Ennis Friary
318, 331, 335, 337, 339, 342, 344, C23
https://www.locallinklc.ie/clare-routes/
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
981
https://locallinkdsl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/981-Coolaney-to-Sligo-6pg-DL-30th-Oct.pdf
Charles Fort Military Fortress
253C
https://locallinkcork.com/schedule/253c-kinsale-to-charlesfort/
Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
850
Battle of the Boyne – Oldbridge Estate
163
https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/TFI-LL-R163-FA-WEB.pdf
Portumna Castle and Gardens
547
https://www.locallinkgalway.ie/dynamic-timetables/route-547---portumna-to-ballinasloe
322
Kilkenny Castle
897
https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/TFI-LL-CKW-R897-June2023-WEB.pdf
Sligo Abbey
563, 566, 572, 977 and 981
https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Route-563Timetable-FA.pdf
https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TFI-LL-DSL-R566-Dec23-FA-WEB4.pdf
https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TFI-LL-DSL-R572-May24-FA-WEB.pdf
https://locallinkdsl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/981-Coolaney-to-Sligo-6pg-DL-30th-Oct.pdf
Notes
• Organised by the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland’s largest cultural events.
• National Heritage Week runs from the 17th to 25th August 2024.
• OPW- run heritage sites tell the story of the connections between our people, heritage, communities and culture. With more than 140 events taking place across country, and free admission days* on 17th and 18th August, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visit www.heritageweek.ie for more information. *Excludes Kilmainham Gaol