Cultural jewels open doors for Heritage weekend

Over 260 events will take place across Northern Ireland over September 11-12, with plenty on offer in Londonderry.

This celebration of built heritage, which is organised by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), is designed to encourage people of all ages to discover Northern Ireland's rich and diverse architecture and heritage.

Talking about the events the Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: "During the weekend Northern Ireland will see over 260 events taking place as part of EHOD which include the opening of many buildings which are otherwise closed during the rest of the year.

"The diversity of our built heritage is evident with cathedrals to cottages, mills to former military bases and a few castles opening their doors free of charge this weekend."

Punters will have a chance to visit St Columb's Cathedral, Derry's Walls, the Memorial Hall, the Methodist Church, the Freemasons' Hall, Ebrington Barracks, the Harbour Museum, The Playhouse, Long Tower Church, the Workhouse Museum, the Tower Museum and

the Derry and Raphoe Library Project.

Just down the road in the Roe Valley people will be able to visit the Dungiven Priory and Chancel and the Dog Leap Centre and Power House.

Mr Poots commented: "European Heritage Open Days celebrates our built heritage, its importance in our lives and the quality of our life. It is facilitated by local people who dedicate their spare time to opening properties and arranging events, and it is their knowledge and enthusiasm that makes European Heritage Open Days happen.

"I wish to offer my thanks to all those owners who are so generously giving up their time and opening their buildings to the public."

Minister Poots launched this year's EHOD at The Hat Shop in Bridge Street, Lisburn which has been part of the Heritage Lottery Fund 'Townscape Heritage Initiative' Project and is an excellent example of high quality heritage regeneration.

European Heritage Open Days brochures are available from your local library or Tourist Information Centre, alternatively log on to the Wonderfulni website to find out more about properties opening near you.