34 Heritage Buildings Open Free of Charge Across the District for European Heritage Open Day

This year European Heritage Open Days will take place on 8 and 9 September. Over 360 heritage buildings and events across Northern Ireland are opening during the weekend FREE OF CHARGE and 34 of them are in our own district. Check out what's available below:

Annalong Cornmill

Marine Park, Annalong, Down, BT34 4RH
Free guided tours. Situated by pretty Annalong Harbour, near the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, this once busy cornmill was in operation from the early 1800s to the 1960s. Experience Mourne life of the past, meet the miller and watch the water wheel in action. Suitable for everyone.

Sat: 2pm - 5pm
Sun: 2pm - 5pm

Audley's Castle

Audleystown Rd, Portloughan, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 7LP
This 15th century tower-house was built by the Audley family, but passed to the Wards in 1646 and was used as an eye-catching focus of the long vista along Castle Ward's Temple Water.  Though the bawn is ruined, its full circuit can be traced running south to the cliff edge.

Sat: 12pm - 4pm
Sun: Closed

Bronte Homeland Interpretative Centre

Church Hill Road, Rathfriland, Down, BT34 5PH
The old Drumballyroney schoolhouse and church where Patrick Bronte, father of the famous Bronte sisters, taught and preached his first sermon.  To the side of the schoolhouse is the Bronte family burial plot.

Sat: 12pm - 4.30pm
Sun: 12pm - 4.30pm

Carrive Mass Rock

Glendesha, Mullaghbawn, Armagh, BT35 9XP
A Mass rock was a rock used as an altar in mid-17th century Ireland as a location for Roman Catholic Mass. Isolated locations were sought to hold religious ceremonies, as observing the Catholic Mass was a matter of difficulty and danger at the time. In many instances a stone would be taken from a church ruin, and relocated to a rural area, with a simple cross carved on its top. This Mass rock would have been used in the time of St Oliver plunkett.

Sat: 8am - 8pm
Sun: 8am - 8pm

Castle Ward

Strangford, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 7LS
Castle Ward with its Palladian Mansion House, historic farmyard with working cornmill, restired Windsor Garden and Temple Water Project and walled demesne is a treasure trove of curiosities from the 400 years it was lived in by the Ward Family. All of this will be open free along with an exhibition inside the mansion house.

Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun: Closed

Castlewellan Arboretum

Castlewellan Forest Park, Arboretum, Castlewellan, Down, BT319BP
The Castlewellan Arboretum and Annesley Gardens dates from the 1760's when it was a kitchen garden and orchard. Over the years other family members added glasshouses and trees eventually creating one of the finest gardens in the country. Visitors will hear the gardens history and see the many champion trees in the collection.

Sat: 2pm - 3.30pm
Sun: 2pm - 3.30pm

Derrymore

Bessbrook, Bessbrook, Newry, Armagh, BT35 7EF
Late 18th-century thatched house in gentrified vernacular style. An elegant 18th-century thatched cottage with its peculiar gentrified vernacular style. A rich history and delightful walks can be had by those who explore the property in Bessbrook, Co. Armagh. 

Sat: 2pm - 5.30pm
Sun: Closed

Down Cathedral and St Patrick's Grave

English Street, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6AB
Down Cathedral is first and foremost a place of prayer and worship. The Hill of Down where the Cathedral sits is also the final resting place of St Patrick.  It is steeped in history and is a significant attraction for visitors from across the world. The Cathedral dates back to 1183 when it was built as a Monastery by the Norman knight John de Courcy. John de Courcy brought Benedictine Monks from Chester to live in the monastery which he dedicated to St Patrick. Stained glass windows, Georgian styled box pews, and a magnificent pipe organ, one of the finest in Ireland, are just a few examples of what you will find on your visit. We are open every day of the week.   

Sat: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Sun: 1pm - 4pm

Amenities:         

Car and coach parking to those visiting the Cathedral
Cathedral Gift Shop
Toilets or rest room with disabled access.    

Down County Museum

The Mall, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6AH
Historic eighteenth century County Gaol with restored cells and gaol buildings. Museum exhibitions on the history of County Down from earliest times to today.

Sat: 10am - 4.30pm
Sun: 1.30pm - 5pm

Downpatrick & County Down Railway

Market Street, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6LZ
Ireland’s only mainline heritage railway, running through the County Down countryside. We are offering free access to our carriage and locomotive museum, behind the scenes tours of our restoration workshops, and also the chance to experience life as a train driver with cab rides in a diesel train. Fares still apply for steam train rides.

Sat: 12:30pm - 5pm
Sun: 12:30pm - 5.30pm

Downpatrick Courthouse

21 English Street, Demesne of Down Acre, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6AB
The Courthouse was erected in 1735 by Hugh Darling of Dublin and was enlarged in 1834. It was burnt down in 1855 and rebuilt to plans prepared by Henry Smyth, the County Surveyor. During restoration in 1988 artefacts were found and are on display. The statues of Justice and Ceres, which stand on the parapet of the building date to the end of 18th or early 19th century and are two of only five lead statues in Ireland. It is listed grade B.

Sat: 10am - 4pm
Sun: Closed

Dromantine House

96 Glen Road, Newry, Down, BT34 1RH
Dromantine Estate dates back to the middle ages. Initially held by an Irish Clan called Magennis, it passed to a Scottish family called Innis in 1741. The original part of the existing house was built in 1806 in the Neo-Classical style and extended in the 1860s. Refurbishment was carried out on the house in 2000. During Heritage Day house is open to public on Saturday 2pm - 5pm. Not open Sunday.

Sat: 2pm - 5pm
Sun: Closed

Dundrum Castle

Castle Hill, Dundrum, Down, BT33 0NF
Probably fortified in pre-Norman times, this hilltop was chosen by John de Courcy around 1177 as the site of one of his coastal castles to control access into the Lecale. Captured by King John in 1210, the castle passed to de Lacy in 1227 but in later middle ages was in Irish hands. The latest building on the site is the house in the south-west corner, built by the Blundell family in the 17th century. 

Sat: 10am - 4.30pm
Sun: 12pm - 4.30pm

Sunday 9th Dundrum – Falconry
“Flying hawks and falcons, once a daily pastime for sport and food for the table, see how the falconer trains his birds in the noble art of falconry”

12pm - 4.30pm

First Kilmore (Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church), Rademon

19 Listooder Road, Crossgar, DOWN, BT30 9JE
A two storey T Shaped listed building built in 1787 during the ministry of Rev Dr Moses Neilson. An example of an early Ulster Barn Church with three galleries accessed by external steps and original fielded panel pews. The building was restored in 2002.    For more information see http://www.rademonchurch.co.uk    Sunday service 1000-1100. All are welcome. Tours are available from 1130. 

Sat: Closed
Sun: 11:30am - 4pm

First Presbyterian Church Saintfield

21 Main Street, Saintfield, Down, BT24 7AA

Imposing classically fronted church designed by Charles Lanyon C1850. The interior features excellent box pews. Slightly raised at the rear and two curley staircases. The frontage features a central recessed portico with Corinthian columns and Corinthian pilasters to each side. The schoolroom beneath features six columns supporting the church above

Sat: 10am - 3.30pm
Sun: 12pm - 1pm

Greencastle - Walking Tour

Greencastle Pier Road, Kilkeel, Down, BT34 4LR
A Royal castle built mid-15th century by Hugh de Lacy to control the Southern approaches into Ulster. Greencastle was a key fortification for over 400 years and was repeatedly beseiged, relieved and repaired before falling into ruins after bombardment by Cromwell's troops in 1652.

Sat: 10am - 14.30pm
Sun: 10am - 4.30pm

Booking Required:
ehod@communities-ni.gov.uk
028 90823207

Inch Abbey

Inch Abbey Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9AT
These extensive remains are of a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1180 by John de Courcy, who led the 1177 Anglo-Norman invasion of East Ulster.

Saturday 8th Inch Abbey – Cistercian Monk
12pm - 4.30pm
“Walk with Cistercian Brother Robert as he marks the Hours in the tranquil beauty of this serene Medieval abbey”

Sat: 8am – 8pm
Sun: 8am – 8pm

Lightship Petrel

52 Ballydorn Road, Killinchy, Down, BT23 6QB
Lightship Petrel was built in Dublin in 1911 and served until the 1960s as a relief lightship for the Commissioners of Irish Lights on stations around the coast of Ireland. After her retirement she was bought by Down Cruising Club, towed to her current mooring in Ballydorn, Strangford Lough, and converted into the headquarters for the club.

Sat: Closed
Sun: 2pm - 5pm

Booking Required:
ehod2018@downcruisingclub.co.uk

Millworker's home

6 College Square East, Bessbrook, Newry, Down, BT35 7ND
The Milworker's House has been restored by Bessbrook Development Company in the style of the late 1800s. Come inside to learn a little about what life was like in the Model Village which was built by the Quaker Richardson family.

Sat: 11am - 3pm
Sun: Closed

Booking Required:
jrblack464@gmail.com
07745 651919

Mountains of Mourne Country Cottages

Hanna's Close, 87 Aughnahoory road, Kilkeel, Newry, Down, BT34 4AH
This is a restored  'clachan' at  Hanna's Close on the outskirts of the seaside town of Kilkeel. It comprises of eight cottages dating back to the 1600's. Restored and opened to the public in 1997 as Self Catering Cottages. There will be history talks, music, crafts and light refreshments.

Sat: 2pm - 5pm
Sun: Closed

Narrow Water Castle

Newry Road, Ballyvally, Warrenpoint, Down, BT34 3LE
An excellent example of the tower house and bawn built in 1568 at the strategic spot where the Newry river meets Carlingford Lough. It replaced the nearby Anglo Norman fortification built in 1212 by Hugh de Lacy, 1st Earl of Ulster to prevent attacks on Newry by the river as part of the area’s Norman fortifications. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Sat: 10am - 4.30pm
Sun: 10am - 4.30pm

Newry and Mourne Museum

Bagenal's Castle, Newry, Down, BT34 2BY
There will be three free tours of Newry and Mourne Museum on Saturday 8 September. These will start at 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. Maximum number of people for each tour is 15 so booking is essential.

Sat: 10am - 4.30pm
Sun: 1.30pm - 5pm

Booking Required:
declan.carroll@nmandd.org
028 3031 3178

Open Day at the Ketch and Sloop

St John's Point Lighthouse, Killough, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 7QY
Visitors have the opportunity to see the conservation work that has been carried out in this self-guided tour. Now available as holiday accommodation through Irish Landmark Trust, the Ketch and Sloop were former lightkeepers' houses and provide stunning views out to sea from St John's Point.  Child supervision is required due to the coastal location. 

Sat: Closed
Sun: 10am - 4pm

Open Day at Tullymurry House

4 Tullymurry Road, Donaghmore, Newry, Down, BT34 1NG
Visitors have the opportunity to see the conservation work of Irish Landmark in a self-guided tour of this restored country house. Built in Georgian times, the elegant reception rooms echo the grace of a bygone age while outside there are gardens and an orchard to explore.  There is even a fully equipped spa with a sauna and hot tub. 

Sat: Closed
Sun: 10am - 4pm

Petty Sessions Coffee House

8 Railway St, The Square, Poyntzpass, Newry, Down, BT35 6UE
The former village Court House is an appropriate setting for a collection of news items relating to a variety of ‘petty’ misdemeanours dealt with at the monthly Petty Sessions which were held in this building for over 100 yrs.  Staff will be on hand to provide information regarding the history of the building and Petty Sessions Exhibition.  Refreshments available all day

Sat: 8am - 5pm
Sun: 10am - 7pm

Poyntzpass Local History Society Walking Tour

Canal Bank, Poyntzpass, Newry, Down, BT35 6SN
The guided walk will include some of the village’s interesting sites – the 100year old ‘Face in the Wall’, the Newry Canal, Poyntzpass Railway Station and the Red Hand Inn, scene of a gruesome murder in days of yore

Sat: 2pm - 3pm
Sun: 2pm - 3pm

Poyntzpass Signalman’s Cabin

Railway St, Poyntzpass, Newry, Down, BT35 6SN
The Victorian Signal Box is the only one of its kind on its original site in Northern Ireland with all its equipment intact but disconnected. It will be opened by the Local History Society in agreement with Translink. Local History Society members will welcome visitors and talk on the history of the railway

Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun: 2pm - 5pm

Ring of Gullion Heritage Coach Tour

Crossmaglen Community Centre, O'fiaich Square, Crossmaglen, Armagh, BT35 9HG
A fully guided coach tour taking in the most impressive sights and monuments the Ring of Gullion has to offer.    Una Walsh, our local guide will lead you on your journey through the breath-taking landscape of the area whilst enlightening you about the rich natural, built, archaeological and cultural heritage, not forgetting the many myths and legends in which the area is steeped. 

Sat: Closed
Sun: 10:30am - 4.30pm
 

Booking Required:
therese.hamill@nmandd.org
028 308 28590

Ross Monument

Warrenpoint Road, Ringmackilroy, Rostrevor, Down, BT34 4ET
An Egyptian obelisk erected in 1826 on a hill on the outskirts of Rostrevor to commemorate Sir Robert Ross's victory at Bladensburg during the American Second War of Independence of 1812-15.

Sat: 9am - 5pm
Sun: pam - 5pm

Rossconor House

65 Annacloy Road, Annacloy, Down, BT30
Built around 1800, it is a relatively modest two-storey , five bay double- pile country House with a particular fine panelled door, flanked by sand stone columns and surmounted by an attractive radial fanlight.  The house has been vacant for over 40 years and is currently undergoing restoration works.

Sat: 12pm - 5pm
Sun: 12pm - 4pm

Rowallane Garden

Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, Down, BT24 7LH
Rowallane Garden is one of the most beautiful in Northern Ireland.  Visit us and discover Our World Apart.  Journey through the garden and explore our mix of formal and informal spaces.  Call into the cafe for a seasonal treat and view our unique Rowallane pottery.

Sat: 10am - 6pm
Sun: Closed

T.P.M. Credit Union

Church St, Poyntzpass, Newry, Down, BT35 6SW
An extensive Archives of photographs, newspaper articles, models, and artefacts will be available to view and browse at your leisure.  Members of the Local History Society will offer assistance and answer any queries.

Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun: 2pm - 5pm

Turnpike Cottage

131 Hillsborough Road, Dromore, Down, BT25 1QW
Detached single-storey pebble dash rendered former toll house, built c.1740. The Toll Cottage appears on the first edition OS map 1833 as a small rectangular building on the principal route between Hillsborough and Dromore. The house was probably built by the Turnpike Trust and operated as a ‘Toll Cottage’ on the Milebush Road until the turnpike system was abolished in the 1850’s. The 18th century building was modeled on the English prototypes and had large windows on each face, to enable the toll house keeper to view the road from each direction.

Sat: 2pm - 5pm
Sun: 2pm - 5pm

Booking Required:
EHOD@communities-ni.gov.uk
028 90823207

Twilight Theatre presents Legend at Kilclief Castle

Kilclief Castle, Strangford, Down, BT30 7NR
The legends of ancient Ireland come to life as actors from Twilight Theatre transform into characters from the Irish mythological cycle and tell their tales in a dramatic and lyrical style. This is a family friendly event that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. 

Sat: 2pm - 4pm
Sun: Closed

To find out more about all heritage buildings open FREE OF CHARGE across Northern Ireland, visit CLICK HERE