OPW announces ‘Greening’ of Heritage Sites and State Buildings as part of the 2021 National St Patrick’s Festival

The Office of Public Works (OPW) in association with Fáilte Ireland and the St. Patrick’s Festival Organisation is delighted to announce details of the ‘greening’ of Heritage sites and State buildings for the duration of the 2021 St. Patrick’s Festival. The St. Patrick’s Festival celebrates St. Patrick’s Day both nationally and internationally. It has gone from strength to strength with signification notable worldwide landmark buildings being illuminated in green to promote this celebration. This year the theme of the Festival is ‘Dúisigh Éire! Awaken Ireland!’ which invites everyone to throw off the long dark months and rise to embrace the brighter days ahead.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister of State for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said

“My Office is delighted to participate once again in this very important national and international initiative which celebrates our unique cultural heritage and shines a light on Ireland. I would encourage all to participate in the St. Patrick’s Festival events and to celebrate what we, as a nation, have to offer as represented by our world-renowned Heritage sites and State buildings”.

The OPW will light heritage sites and State buildings for the duration of the festival, from 12 - 17 March 2021, by using green filters, specialist lamps and existing lighting control systems.

Speaking after the announcement Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, stated

“The St Patrick’s Festival week is a highlight of the calendar for creativity and tourism. I am delighted to see the extensive list of national landmarks which are part of the “greening” for St Patrick’s Day and the support of the Office of Public Works and Minister O’Donovan is appreciated. This year, given the situation regarding COVID-19, the delivery of the 2021 Festival programme requires a very different approach involving a mix of outdoor, broadcast, digital and tech events and activities.

While some of the more traditional elements cannot take place in the current circumstances, St Patrick’s Festival 2021 presents different opportunities for innovation in delivery. With St Patrick’s Festival going online this year, there is an incredible opportunity for the nation and the world to take a front row seat at all of this year’s events and the greening of our landmarks will provide a visual spectacle for us to enjoy.”

-ENDS-

For further information please contact pressoffice@opw.ie

Notes to Editors

The following are the heritage sites and State buildings that will be transformed for the five-day greening celebration: -

Dublin City/County

52 St. Stephen’s Green, (OPW Dublin Office)

Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park

Casino Marino

Collins Barracks

Custom House

Dublin Castle (Upper & Lower Courtyard)

Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Employment (Kildare St)

Farmleigh Estate – The Water Tower

Four Courts

Government Buildings

Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green

Kilmainham Courthouse

Kilmainham Gaol- Entrance

Leinster House, Merrion Street

Marlborough Street Complex,

National Concert Hall (NCH)

National Gallery, Merrion Street Entrance

National Library, Kildare Street

National Museum, Kildare Street

Natural History Museum, Merrion Street

Phoenix Monument, Chesterfield Avenue, Phoenix Park

Rathfarnham Castle

Royal Hospital Kilmainham (RHK) - Clock Tower

St. Stephen’s Green – Entrance (Shelbourne Hotel Side)

Co. Clare

Ennis Court House, Ennis,

Ennis Friary, Ennis

Quin Abbey, Quin

Co. Cork

Doneraile Court, Doneraile

Co. Donegal

Donegal Castle, Donegal Town

Co. Galway

Athenry Castle, Athenry

Co. Kerry

Ross Castle, Killarney

Co. Kildare

Castletown House, Celbridge

Co. Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

Co. Limerick

Askeaton Friary

Desmond Castle, Adare

Desmond Castle, Newcastlewest

Co. Meath

Trim Castle, Trim

Co. Roscommon

Boyle Abbey, Boyle

Co. Sligo

Sligo Abbey, Sligo Town

Co. Tipperary

Cahir Castle, Cahir

Ormond Castle, Carrick on Suir

Rock of Cashel, Cashel