Fancy a free day out with the family? Heritage sites all over Ireland have waived their visitor fees, effective immediately.
With the easing of restrictions and travel across county borders permitted, dozens of Irish attractions have waived visitor fees for the rest of the year.
Patrick O’Donovan T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), announced the initiative as part of the Government’s The Path Ahead plan.
A free day out – enjoy Ireland’s heritage sites for free
Family trips to Irish heritage sites can end up costing a lot of money. This is something that may be out of reach for a lot of people after a difficult year.
However, dozens of Irish attractions have waived visitor fees for the rest of the year so families can enjoy these places for free.
A family trip to the ruined monastery of Clonmacnoise in County Offaly would normally set you back around €20.
Similarly, a visit to Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin would normally come at the cost of €8 per person.
The Path Ahead – a plan for recovery
The announcement that dozens of Irish attractions have waived visitor fees for the rest of the year is part of the Government’s The Path Ahead plan.
The Path Ahead sees several initiatives put in place to speed up the recovery and reopening plan for Ireland.
It is hoped that the waiving of fees to Ireland’s heritage sites will support the domestic tourism industry. They also hope to encourage people to book staycations as we move into summer.
The measure is effective immediately and will remain in place until the end of 2021.
What is included? – some of Ireland’s best attractions
It is great news that dozens of Irish attractions have waived visitor fees for the rest of the year. However, you may be wondering which sites are included.
Minister O’Donovan stated, “Throughout lockdown, the OPW kept the parks and gardens it manages in cities and the country open wherever it was possible to do so safely.
“Since the careful and gradual easing of restrictions in late April, we have been able to open the outdoor spaces at many historic heritage sites.
“On Monday this week, the doors of such iconic attractions as Brú Na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Dublin Castle, and Kilkenny Castle opened to visitors again.
“With a growing list of open heritage sites and the easing of travel restrictions, we have a renewed opportunity to explore the treasures, which the OPW holds in trust for the nation.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, OPW heritage sites across Ireland would have welcomed around nine million visitors annually.
Some of the sites managed by the OPW include the Neolithic tombs at Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, and Loughcrew.
Other attractions include stone forts like Dún Aonghasa and medieval castles in Trim, Kilkenny, and Cahir.
To find out more about which attractions will be included in the initiative, you can visit www.heritageireland.ie.
