Discover Cork city's past: Cork Heritage Open Day unveils exciting programme for its 20th Anniversary

Cork Heritage Open Day, which takes place on Saturday, August 16^th, celebrates the amazing architecture and history of the built heritage in Cork city and sees over 35 buildings open their doors free of charge for one day only. This is the only event of this size and scale happening in the country and includes walks, talks and exhibitions on our rich heritage throughout the city.

This year Cork Heritage Open Day is celebrating its 20^th anniversary. Initially an event for European Capital of Culture in 2005, it has gone from strength to strength and is a testament to how much Cork people love their city and its magnificent heritage.

Several buildings are taking part in Cork Heritage Open Day for the first time this year including the Cork Butter Museum which was the largest Cork Butter Exchange in the world in the 1800’s, Cork’s YMCA on Malboro Street which dates back to 1886, St Luke’s Church in Douglas which was consecrated in 1875 and the Firemen’s Rest on Anglesea Street which was created in 1892 and has stood through many historical events in the city including the Burning of Cork.

Niamh Twomey, Heritage Officer in Cork City Council
‘I am excited and proud to be celebrating our 20^th anniversary of Cork Heritage Open Day. It’s wonderful to see all the buildings who are with us year on year and to welcome the new buildings to our programme. The event this year is set to be one of our most exciting so far and I’m very grateful to all the building owners, historians and volunteers who give their time and expertise so generously'.

Cork Heritage Open Day is a unique opportunity to explore buildings which are not routinely open to the public or charges a fee such as Quaker Meeting House, Military Museum Collins Barracks, Heineken Ireland, Riverstown House, Cork Baptist Church and the North Monastery. The Cork Opera House which is celebrating its 170^th anniversary will host a guided tour as will the Everyman whose tour will be ISL Interpreted by Ray Greene.

Guided tours will also take place in English and in Irish in AIB 66 South Mall and in the Lord Mayor’s Office and Council Chamber. A work in progress event will take place in Civic Trust House offering insight into a new project exploring the history of 50 Pope’s Quay and its neighbourhood.

The programme includes a wide range of family friendly events. A Victorian Classroom Experience will take place in the Old Cork Waterworks Experience where children will learn about Cork under Victorian rule. Costumed Roman soldiers in the Cork Public Museum will demonstrate how the Romans lived and fought. Actress Judie Chalmers will bring the story of Nano Nagle to life in Nano Nagle Place while young and old can explore the naval vessel the LÉ Aoibhinn which will be in Cork for Cork Heritage Open Day.

Cork historians will deliver historical guided street walking tours in locations such as Patrick’s Street, the Coal Quay and the Middle Parish. For those looking to explore further the streets of Cork, a Victorian Scavenger Hunt will take place in the Victorian Quarter of the city. Guided tours will also take place in St Joseph’s Cemetery led by Liam O’ hÚigín and Finbarr Barry and in The Gunpowder Mills led by Tadgh O’Connor.

Cork Heritage Open Day is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the people and the history of Cork.

• Diarmuid O’Drisceoil will give a talk on the story of Beamish and Crawford in the former Cork Savings Bank.

• Rachel Finnegan will give a talk in St Lukes Church Douglas on the Reeves Family who occupied Tramore House in Douglas in the 19^th Century.

• Members of Shandon Area History Group will speak about the monuments and memorials at St Anne’s Church.

While all events are free of charge, some events must be booked in advance. See www.corkheritageopenday.ie for list of all events, those which require pre-booking and starting time and meeting points for all talks, guided tours of buildings and walking tours.

Cork Heritage Open Day is organised by Cork City Council as part of Heritage Week in partnership with the Heritage Council and is proudly supported by media sponsors the Echo. Cork Heritage Open Day marks the start of Cork city events for National Heritage Week www.heritageweek.ie, running from 16^th to 26^th of August. For a full list of events see www.corkheritageopenday.ie or pick up a brochure at Cork City Libraries or Cork City Tourist Information Office.
 
For further information contact Eimear O’Brien, Lunasa PR, 086 8900364/ eimear@lunasapr.ie