European Heritage Open Days 2024

This year EHOD will take place on the weekend of 14-15 September with the theme “Routes, Connections and Networks – Links in our Heritage”. Over 260 heritage buildings and events are opening during this weekend FREE OF CHARGE. A number of these properties are not normally open to the public, so this is a fantastic opportunity to explore what we have around us.

"At the heart of the annual theme for 2024 are the notions that our heritage, in both its tangible and intangible forms, is a reminder of how peoples, communities, countries and cultures have long been inter-connected, and how we continue to be connected, through common values, shared practices and a desire to protect and make sense of our individual and collective histories. As well as the physical routes that once connected us, so much of our heritage illustrates the mobilities of the past and how people, objects, ideas and beliefs travelled far and wide." [Department for Communities]

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!

There are a number of sites you can visit in Ards and North Down as part of the annual celebration of our Heritage, featured below.

Do I need to book?

Some opening event may require pre-booking. Details on how to book for individual events can be found on each listing, where relevant. Listings can 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.