The Office of Public Works and Transport for Ireland announce free entry for Senior Citizens to Heritage sites when passengers use TFI Local Link services for month of May

• Minister “Boxer” Moran announces free entry for Senior Citizens to Heritage sites when they use TFI Local Link services for the month of May
• Collaboration marks milestone 30th Anniversary of the Bealtaine Festival – Celebrating Creativity as we Age

The Office of Public Works (OPW), in collaboration with Transport for Ireland (TFI), today 30 April has announced a special nationwide initiative offering free access to selected heritage sites for older people who use the TFI Local Link service throughout the month of May.

To mark the milestone 30th anniversary of the Bealtaine Festival, the OPW is delighted to announce that senior citizens will gain free entry to selected heritage sites by presenting their TFI Local Link Ticket or Travel Pass at entry point from 1-31 May 2025.

This initiative highlights a shared aim between the OPW, the Department of Transport and Transport for Ireland to encourage sustainable travel and presents a great opportunity for visitors to engage with their cultural heritage.
The participating sites include some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, historic houses, castles, and gardens, offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors of all interests.

Welcoming the initiative, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said:
“The OPW is delighted to collaborate with Transport for Ireland Local Links Network in support of the Bealtaine festival this May.

Our partnership with Transport for Ireland aims to highlight the Local Links service and we are encouraging Senior Citizens to avail of this magnificent service and get out to visit your local heritage site.

We are fortunate to have such iconic sites in rural Ireland on the Local Links network- including Glendalough and Clonmacnoise Monastic Sites, Ennis Friary and Ionad an Bhlascaoid – the Blasket Centre”.

TFI Local Link Programme Manager Blathin McElligott, also welcomed the initiative, saying:

“The National Transport Authority (NTA)/ Transport for Ireland (TFI) is delighted to support this initiative which recognises the important role accessible, affordable public transport plays in connecting people to our culture and history.

We encourage people to take advantage of this initiative and avail of free access to heritage sites nationwide.”

The OPW recently announced an extensive programme of events in support of the Bealtaine Festival. From guided tours to yoga to drawing groups; there is a range of diverse and exciting events and initiatives for Senior Citizens at various locations across the country to align with the Bealtaine Festival- “Celebrating Arts and Creativity as We Age” this May.

For more information on the series of events and programmes for Bealtaine, please visit heritageireland.ie/whats-on/bealtaine-festival-events-2025 where you can view the full schedule of events at OPW sites.

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please contact pressoffice@opw.ie for more information and to arrange an interview.

For a full list of OPW Heritage Sites and events in support of the Bealtaine Festival, please see heritageireland.ie.

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The 11 sites included in the Transport for Ireland Local Links initiative are set out below. This offer is valid 1-31 May 2025. Free admission to fee- paying OPW Heritage sites is granted upon presentation of valid free travel pass or TFI Local Link ticket. The offer of free admission for Senior Citizens applies on an individual basis, and free admission does not apply to accompanying group members who are not Senior Citizens.

Glendalough Monastic Site and Visitor Centre
Route 183, Sallins to Arklow

Donegal Castle
292 Ballyshannon to Donegal Town
293 Glencolmcille to Donegal Town

Parke’s Castle
563 Sligo-Dromahair Local Link bus
566 Sligo-Dowra

Ionad an Bhlascaoid – the Blasket Centre
Route 277a and 277b to Dunquin

Ennis Friary
318, 331, 335, 337, 339, 342, 344, C23 routes

Charles Fort Military Fortress
253C Kinsale to Charles Fort

Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
850 Athlone to Roscrea

Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre – Oldbridge Estate
163 Brú na Bóinne to Drogheda

Portumna Castle and Gardens
547 Ballinasloe to Portumna
322 Nenagh to Portumna

Sligo Abbey
563 Dromahair to Sligo
566 Dowra to Sligo
572 Ballinamore to Sligo
977 Castlerea to Sligo
981 Coolaney to Sligo

Kilkenny Castle
897 Athy to Kilkenny