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This week, the Department for Communities NI supports European Heritage Open Days, an annual celebration of local architecture, history and culture. This year the European wide theme of “Inclusion – Exploring our hidden history together” is about celebrating inclusiveness and diversity.
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While there are a lot of events taking place at properties across Northern Ireland, we have chosen a wonderful selection of virtual events for you to enjoy.
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Live from our Legendary Telescopes
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Armagh Observatory and Planetarium presents this live event via zoom on 8 September at 8pm (CET). The Observatory opened in 1790 and is now a Grade A listed heritage building in which astronomers still undertake fundamental research, and it is the oldest observatory in the UK and Ireland continuously in use for its original purpose.
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Inside there are four generations of historic telescopes that remain in their original settings, as well as one modern telescope still used today. Experts will broadcast live from the collection of historical telescopes and tell you how they were used for pioneering science in their day. Register here.
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Ballealy Cottage
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Virtual open days at Ballealy cottage allow visitors the opportunity to see the conservation work of Irish Landmark Trust while enjoying a self-guided tour of this restored gamekeeper’s lodge. Located in a woodland setting, this cottage with its romantic fairy-tale appearance was built in 1865.
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Although it was originally the cottage for the estate’s gamekeeper, it is now available as a self-catering holiday accommodation.
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Stories of hidden LGBT history at Linen Hall Library
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In this performance talk, let master storyteller and historian, Dr Richard O’Leary, share with you some of his true fairy stories; a personal selection of stories from Northern Ireland which he has uncovered from the archives of the Linen Hall Library’s LGBT collections.
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Accompany Richard as we side step the censorship of the 1970s, rediscover local LGBT pioneers of the 1980s, embrace Northern Ireland's lesbian superheroes, and reflect on gay identity in 1990s. Live on Zoom followed by Q&A. Register here.
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Bangor Castle & North Down Museum
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Dating from 1852, Bangor Castle is home to North Down Museum. This beautiful stately home was once home to the Hon. Robert Edward Ward – brother of the third Viscount of Bangor and High Sheriff of Down – and its elegant architecture is rendered in the Elizabethan-Jacobean Revival style.
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For EHOD 2021 a new virtual video tour will look at how the Castle changed from being a family home to become the ANDBC Council offices and North Down Museum. It offers people a rare chance to view some of the family’s personal photos from their time in Bangor Castle, including the Walled Garden. The video will also include some drone footage. It will be hosted on www.andculture.org.uk and Ards and North Down Borough Council Social Media during the week 6-12 September.
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Virtual Gortmaconnell Jeep Safari
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From the comfort of your own home you now can enjoy one of the Geopark's cherished heritage sites at Gortmaconnell. You will be able to virtually jump on board one of the Geopark jeeps and explore the stunning scenery. Throughout the safari you will be given the opportunity to have a closer look at features of interest.
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Ranging from the rugged upland cliffs to the weathered limestone landscapes on the lower ground, this safari is a chance for you to experience and explore the patchwork of landscapes found on Gortmaconnell. The tour will launch Friday 10 September 16:00 CET and after that it will be available to watch online.
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Tower Museum Virtual Visit
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Join in for an exclusive live tour from the ‘Story of Derry’ exhibition in the Tower Museum. Find out some fascinating facts about the neo-gothic Guildhall situated in a city steeped in history. Watch live on the Tower Museum Facebook Page or website.
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The Guildhall is a must see visitor attraction with over 20 magnificent stained glass windows representing the history of the city and the Plantation of Ulster exhibition. The newly refurbished and award winning Guildhall provides a unique and state of the art venue for events, and has an abundance of interesting artefacts.
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Coalisland Museum and Heritage Virtual Festival
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In addition, a special performance will be recorded in the Coalisland Museum and Heritage Centre, by local Comhaltas musicians.
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