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European Heritage Open Days

This year European Heritage Open Days in Northern Ireland took place on Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th September.

Come with us as we invite you to "step into the picture" for a sneak peak inside some of the wonderful properties featured in this years event…some well known, others not.

Over 300 events and properties open FREE OF CHARGE to the public during the weekend and Virtual Visit NI had once again teamed up with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to produce a special feature for the event.

Managed and promoted by NIEA the principal aim of the event is to encourage buildings which are not normally accessible to the public to open their doors and share their secrets. There are hidden gems among the properties and many of them are open only during EHOD weekend.

Find out more on their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ehodni

Featured Panoramas

Titanic Pump House & Dock - Belfast

Titanic Pump House & DockBelfast.

The dry-dock where RMS Titanic was fitted out including the Pump-House that still contains the pumps that operated the dock. This dry-dock is Titanic's physical foot print and is a direct connection to the world's most famous ship. Booking is essential.

Sinclair Seaman's Presbyterian Church - Belfast

Sinclair Seaman's Presbyterian ChurchBelfast.

Built in 1856 as memorial to John Sinclair, the church is L shaped having seats for 50 sailors. It has bell tower with arch over to church. HMS Hood bell.

Dan Winters Cottage Loughgall, County Armagh

Dan Winters House Loughgall, County Armagh.

The original Winter ancestral home from 1665. Recorded as place where the decision to form The Orange Order was made. Restored in 2000 using mud brick and wheat straw to thatch over original timbers. Original artifacts on display including vintage machinery. Refreshments available. Tours available on request.

The Registry Armagh, County Armagh.

The RegistryArmagh, County Armagh.

Built in 1772, the former Armagh Diocesan Registry was restored in 2011, incorporating many of its original features. It displays historic examples of diocesan records, and collections and curiosities from Amagh Public Library, with interactive displays and interpretations.

Lissan House Cookstown, County Tyrone

Lissan HouseCookstown, County Tyrone.

An enchanting country residence set within a 250 acre demesne. The house boasts modern interactive exhibits and original furnishings, combining to take visitors on a unique journey through the history of the estate and the Staples family characters who have shaped it.

Holy Hill House Strabane, County Tyrone

Holy Hill HouseStrabane, County Tyrone.

Impressive Georgian house dating from about 1670 set in beautiful mature grounds. Home of the Sinclair family for 250 years. King James' troops came to burn it down after the seige of Derry. Holy Hill has a fine interior

Donaghadee Lighthouse & Pier Donaghadee, County Down

Donaghadee Lighthouse & Pier Donaghadee, County Down.

A walking tour will transport you back into Donaghadee of yesteryear. Learn of the influence of the Montgomery family in the establishment of the harbour and its further re-development to create the principal passenger port in Northern Ireland.

First Presbyterian Non Subscribing Church Downpatrick, County Down

First Presbyterian Non Subscribing ChurchDownpatrick, County Down.

Large T shaped meeting-house opened in 1711 with four galleries including one so called 'Squires Gallery' and one gallery approached from an external staircase. High central pulpit built for the Rev Thomas Nevin in 1711. One of Downpatrick's architectural gems.

St. Patrick's Holy Well Belcoo, County Fermanagh

St. Patrick's Holy WellBelcoo, County Fermanagh.

The well is extensive, measuring about one thousand square feet. There are two outlets with an estimated yield of water of 600 gallons per minute. Pilgrimages take place but today the view will be from behind protective fencing. Local history will be available.

Devenish - Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

Masonic HallEnniskillen, County Fermanagh.

Constructed in 1932 to the designs of Benjamin Cowser and John MacGeagh, this carefully crafted masonic hall is one of the finest in Northern Ireland. It enjoys a prominent position at the junction of Dublin Road and Tempo Road.

Ashbrook House , County Londonderry

Ashbrook HouseDerry, County Londonderry.

Ashbrook is unique in that it has been continuously lived in by the same family since before the plantation. The house and family have strong historic links with the City of Derry

St. Eugenes Cathedral , County Londonderry

St. Eugenes CathedralDerry, County Londonderry.

Built to the designs of JJ McCarthy in 1873 in a sparse Gothic style. The six-bay nave arcades are supported on octagonal shafts, with a clerestory, aisles and a short chancel flanked by north and south side chapels.

Origami House , County Antrim

Origami HouseKells, County Antrim.

As seen on BBC House of the Year. Extraordinary contemporary white and glass house, designed by award winning Architect Jane Burnside. The Origami House is set in beautiful landscaped gardens on the edge of the Glens of Antrim.

Ballealy Cottage , County Antrim

Ballealy CottageRandalstown, County Antrim.

Located in a woodland setting, this cottage has a romantic fairytale appearance with irregular gables and an ornate bargeboard of trefoils and horned curls. It is believed to be a model of the forest ranger's lodge at Windsor

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