Pictured at a Heritage Information Day in Enniskillen Library are (left to right) Cllr Alex Baird, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Natalie O’Rourke, European Heritage Open Days co-ordiantor in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Stephen Bleakley, Manager of the Enniskillen and Omagh Area for Libraries NI
THIS WEEKEND, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September, some 24 properties are being opened up and a number of special events are being put on right across the county – for free.
This is all part of European Heritage Open Days (EOHD) and the aim is to encourage the public to come out and experience what’s on their doorstep.
A new element in this year’s programme is ‘embracing culture’ in its many forms.
There are three cultural events in Fermanagh, including the golden age of railways at the Headhunters Railway Museum in Darling Street, Enniskillen, the Enniskillen Castle Museums and the Inniskillings Museum.
First time visitors to the county will be able, for the first time, to visit the recently refurbished Leggin Cornmill, Derrylin (near the end of the Lisnaskea-Derrylin road), and the dramatic Drumskinney Stone Circle, on the road from Kesh to Scraghey.
People will also be able to see inside a number of Fermanagh’s other historic cultural buildings/sites, such as Tully Castle, Monea Castle, Castle Coole, Devenish, Florence Court, Crom, and one of Northern Ireland’s most important and the historic stately homes in Colebrooke Estate on the outskirts of Enniskillen.
Environment Minister Mark Durkan reported that, last year, over 61,000 visitors were drawn to the north’s stately homes, churches, museums and gardens.
This is the 16th year that Northern Ireland has taken part in this Europe wide event, and, this year, the range of free events for all ages has more variety than ever before.
The Minister thanked all of the owners and guardians of properties involved, and the volunteers who give up their time to lead tours and host events.
“Without their enthusiasm and generosity this weekend event would not be possible”, he added.
To scan the list of European Heritage Open Days, brochures are available from libraries and from the Tourist Information Centre in Enniskillen (beside the Ulsterbus depot(.
Alternatively, log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/ehod to find out more about what events and properties are opening and the days.
In some cases, you need to book.
