European Heritage Open Days 2025

European Heritage Open Days will take place 13 and 14 September 2025

Each year EHD’s across Europe celebrate a shared theme and for 2025 the theme is “Architectural Heritage – Past structures – Future Connections”

Visitors are invited to explore the history, design, and cultural significance of Northern Ireland’s architectural landmarks.

Architectural heritage isn’t just about the structures of the past—it’s about the people, stories, and connections they continue to inspire. Through ‘Past Structures, Future Connections,’ we celebrate how these spaces shape our communities and connect us across generations.

There is a packed programme of virtual and open door in person events and activities ranging from guided tours and walks to talks and lectures, from living history re-enactors to community fun days, from musical events to screenings to brand new places to visit, there is something for everyone!

For more information on the full programme, find out more >> Department for Communities

There are a number of sites open as part of the EHOD programme that you will be able to visit in Ards and North Down as part of the annual celebration of our Heritage. Please note the opening dates for the indidual location as some only open one of the two days and others on both days.

Scroll down the page for information on each individual site.

Do I need to book?

Some locations, especially those holding tours and/or events may require pre-booking. Details on how to book for individual events can be found on each listing, below, where relevant. Listings can also be found on the European Heritage Open Days web app, or from the Department for Communities website.

For queries about the European Heritage Open Days programme of events please email ehod@communities-ni.gov.uk.

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Open Day sites...

Architect-led tour of the Walled Garden in Helen's Bay EHOD 2025

The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) invites you to attend an architect-led tour of the Walled Garden in Helen's Bay from 11:00 to 12:00 on 13 September 2025.
1. 13 Sep 2025
Bangor Castle Tour EHOD 2025

Join us for a the once in a year chance to visit Bangor Castle, a Victorian Manor built in 1852. The museum's staff will take you on a guided tour exploring the history of this grand residence and the family that lived here until 1941.
1. 13 Sep 2025
Comber Historical Walking Tour EHOD 2025

Join us on a walking tour of Comber's history and heritage with local expert Desmond Rainey. Visit monuments, churches, graveyards and more. See fonts made from Mediterranean stone and other Comber mysteries. A town steeped in story and memory. Be sure to come along and hear all about how Comber began and grew into the town it is today.
1. 13 Sep 2025
Donaghadee Parish Church EHOD 2025

A church has stood on this spot from the Medieval period and over the years has grown and blossomed into the building that you will see on your visit.
1. 13 Sep 2025
Guided History Tour of Groomsport EHOD 2025

The tour of Groomsport covers the varied history of the village, including the voyage of the Eagle Wing on 9th September 1636 – the first attempt by Ulster-Scots folk to emigrate to America. The tour will include significant buildings dating from the 17th to 19th centuries.
1. 13 Sep 2025
The Old Market House EHOD 2025

A landmark building in the centre of Bangor since the 18th Century
1. 13 Sep 2025
Seacourt Print Workshop EHOD 2025

From humble beginnings Seacourt is now an internationally renowned arts organisation. We are proud owners of a beautiful old Ulster Bank Building, a B1 listed building, in the heart of the city and we are playing our part in the regeneration and renewal of Bangor by the sea.
1. 13 Sep 2025
Ulster Folk Museum Behind the Scenes: Building Conservation Tour EHOD 2025 *FULLY BOOKED*

*FULLY BOOKED* Behind the scenes at the Ulster Folk Museum, a huge amount of work goes on to maintain and conserve our unique collections of buildings.
1. 13 Sep 2025
Ulster Transport Museum: Access to Transport Museum Stores EHOD 2025

Join us for a self-guided tour of these very special collections, including Rex McCandless innovations, historic bicycles, motorbikes, planes and boats including the rare Shorts Sealand. The combination of our fascinating range of objects and an opportunity to go behind the scenes at National Museums Northern Ireland is an opportunity not to be missed.
1. 13 Sep 2025
The Walled Garden Helen's Bay EHOD 2025

Nestled within the grounds of a former 19th-century Mill House, this secret garden is being lovingly restored with sustainability and heritage at its heart.
1. 13 Sep 2025
Dirt, Disease and Death: A Tour of Comber's Medical History EHOD 2025

Everyone who lived and working in Comber was and is a part of its medical history. Learn more about their lives and experiences of health, medicine, and death on Comber's first medical history walking tour.
1. 14 Sep 2025
Ballyhemlin Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church EHOD 2025

Our property is a Meeting House built in 1834 and is set in a rural setting equidistant from Kircubbin, Ballyhalbert and Ballywalter on the Ards Peninsula. The building has remained largely untouched.
1. 13 Sep 202514 Sep 2025
The Boys Brigade Heritage Museum EHOD 2025

The Boys' Brigade Heritage Museum holds a vast range of Boys' Brigade archive materials including photographs, BB Memorabilia, together with displays of items of historical interest to the area where the Museum is located.
1. 13 Sep 202514 Sep 2025
Cockle Row Cottages EHOD 2025

Take a step back in time with a visit to the lovingly restored Cockle Row Cottages located beside the harbour, Groomsport.
1. 13 Sep 202514 Sep 2025
Mount Stewart EHOD 2025

Mount Stewart is an exceptional example of the Irish demesne, intended to be both beautiful and productive, with woodland, orchards and farmland providing for the needs of the household.
1. 13 Sep 202514 Sep 2025
Sir Samuel Kelly Project EHOD 2025

See around the legendary Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat, hero of the 1953 MV Princess Victoria rescue, and explore a fascinating exhibition on Donaghadee's maritime heritage.
1. 13 Sep 202514 Sep 2025

More about Heritage and Culture in AND...

Museums & Galleries

Discover the stories, embrace the folklore and indulge in our rich heritage. We boast experiences that will really give you insight into our fascinating culture and history.
Ulster-Scots in Ards and North Down

It was May 1606 when Scottish families began to settle in the Ards and North Down, led by James Hamilton and Hugh Montgomery from Ayrshire, following the land deal they had struck with Con O’Neill of Castlereagh. Find out how they influenced our land making it what it is today.
Heritage Trails

Our land is centuries deep and oh the stories it has to tell, some of which dates back to as early as 558AD. Learn about our history and heritage through one of our tours.