19 August 2016
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
Additional events have been added to this year’s Cork Heritage Open Day due to the enthusiastic public response and the huge demand for tours. Taking place on tomorrow (Saturday, August 20th), Cork Heritage Open Day is set to be its most popular yet, with over 40 buildings throwing open their doors free-of-charge for one day only.
Launching Cork Heritage Open Day 2016 at the Crawford Art Gallery are Sarah Coveney (10), Jessica Akinkuolie (7), Rebecca Akinkuolie (9) and Sadhbh Ní Thuama (5). Cork Heritage Open Day takes place Saturday, August 20th. Picture: Clare Keogh.
The extra events include a talk by local historian Liam O’hÚigín on the historic Coal Quay. Part of the Coal Quay Festival, it will include a photographic display of the ‘Shawlies‘– the shawled ladies who traded on the street. The Irish Wildlife Trust will also hold a free guided walk around the Glen Recreation Park. Booking for this event is required by emailing conservation@iwt.ie.
These are just two of over 100 events in this year’s diverse programme, which is the biggest to date. People are being encouraged to book their free places, as popular ticketed tours, such as St Angela’s College and the Everyman Theatre are already fully booked. However, there are also abundance of buildings open for self-guided tours, including St Anne’s Church in Shandon, the Freemasons’ Hall, and St Fin Barre’s Cathedral along with free talks, such as the decline of the Railways in Cork 1932-1976 by railway historian Patrick Walsh.
An Easter 1916 exhibition will take place at the Cork Public Museum, and there will also be guided tours commemorating the centenary at Cork City and County Archives.
There will be a medieval day at Elizabeth Fort, a Water Heritage Open Day at the Lifetime Lab, a family festival on the Coal Quay and an adult heritage treasure hunt organised by Reimagine Cork.
Cork Heritage Open Day is organised by Cork City Council as part of Heritage Week in partnership with the Heritage Council. Legendary Irish singer Sean Ó Sé is the ambassador for this year’s event.
Commenting on the public demand for tours, Cork City Council Heritage Officer Niamh Twomey said: “The response to date has been incredible and we are very excited to announce the additional events to this year’s programme, which is packed with great activities for all ages. This is the 12th year of Cork Heritage Open Day and every year it is truly embraced by volunteers, building owners, local historians and the community. It’s a great opportunity for people to explore and connect with the captivating built heritage across Cork.”
Cork Heritage Open Day will mark the start of Cork Heritage Week, running from August 20th to 28th. For a full list of events see www.corkheritageopenday.ie or pick up a brochure at Cork City Library or Cork City Tourist Information Office on Grand Parade. Further information will also be available on Facebook at ‘Cork Heritage Open Day’ and on Twitter at @corkheritage.
