This is the first time in three years that the buildings are open to the public for Cork Heritage Open Day and the festival which is organised by Cork City Council in partnership with the Heritage Council marks the start of Heritage Week in Cork which runs until August 21st. Old Cork Waterworks Experience will offer complementary guided tours of the Victorian era boiler house and engine houses at 3.00pm and 4.00pm. Spaces are limited and must be pre-booked in advance.
Cork Heritage Open Day will feature guided tours of over 30 historic buildings from all over Cork City including Riverstown House in Glanmire, the Quaker Meeting House and Graveyard, Cork Savings Bank, the Courthouse Anglesea Street, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, City Hall, Masonic Hall, St Fin Barre's Cathedral, Heineken Ireland (Murphy’s Brewery) and AIB South Mall, home to the Munster Bank since 1867. The Naval Vessel LÉ George Bernard Shaw is taking part in Cork Heritage Open Day and will offer guided tours throughout the day.
Several buildings will host free talks about historic events and the people of Cork. Historian Gerry White will give a talk in St Peter’s Cork on the exhibition “The Changing of the Guard: The Evacuation and Occupation of Victoria Barracks, 18 May, 1922. Architect Seán Antóin Ó’ Muirí will give a talk in Carpenters Hall on the work of Sir John Benson who designed the English Market and St Patrick’s Bridge. Former Docker Liam Corcoran will speak about the lives and experiences of Cork Dockers in the City Library while Frank Donaldson will give a talk in Ballincollig Regional Park on explosions in the Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills from 1803 to 1902.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Deirdre Forde said “I’m delighted that Cork Heritage Open Day is back live again this year. This event is a unique opportunity for the people of Cork to take a look behind the scenes at our magnificent buildings and meet the amazing people who work so hard to protect and conserve our built heritage. I’m very proud of Cork’s heritage and hope that you enjoy exploring the many buildings that are open on Cork Heritage Open Day.
Walking the streets of Cork is a great way to view the built heritage of Cork city up close. As part of Cork Heritage Open Day, a series of guided walking tours will take place. Musician Ruti Lachs will guide you on a walking tour of the historic Jewish sites in the city and will tell the stories of the music, traditions and the culture of the orthodox Jews who made their home in Cork a hundred and thirty years ago. Historian Liam O’ hÚigín will give a tour of St Joseph’s Cemetery, Thomas Heising will visit key geological locations in Cork City and Antóin O’Callaghan will explore the main enriching elements that make up the city’s-built heritage.
Several outdoor family events are taking place for Cork Heritage Open Day. The Coal Quay Festival will feature music, song and family fun activities. Nano Nagle Place are hosting craft markets and Ballincollig Regional Park are hosting a demonstration of firing through the ages with PARDS and historical reenactors.
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 and walking tours.
Cork Heritage Open Day Saturday August 13
National Heritage Week August 13- Sunday August 21
Cork’s 96FM and The Echo are the media sponsors of Cork Heritage Open Day.