The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced that 48 OPW parks and heritage sites with outdoor spaces will be open to the public within the existing travel restrictions this week, reports Shauna McCrudden
Altamont Gardens, Co Carlow
With more easing of lockdown restrictions throughout the country, the OPW is set to reopen 48 more parks and heritage sites.
Sites that are now open include the outdoor spaces of Kells Priory, Trim Castle and Nenagh Castle, as well as Loughcrew Cairns. Later in the week, the gardens at Doneraile Court (29th April) and Garnish Island (30th April) will reopen.
Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, said, “I am delighted that the steady progress we have made over the past months has allowed the easing of restrictions on outdoor visitor attractions. As a result, many additional outdoor OPW heritage sites and parks will be open for people to explore and enjoy locally. They provide much-needed recreational amenities.”
“I would like to ask members of the public to be mindful of existing Covid-19 guidelines during visits, and to help us maintain the beauty of our parks and scenic locations by heeding the message of our ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ campaign. While the OPW staff are working hard to maintain the parks, gardens and heritage grounds in our care to a high standard so that they can be enjoyed by all visitors, we need your cooperation to keep these places litter-free.”
Glendalough, Co Wicklow
The OPW has been part of the joint initiative ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ since its launch by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Leave No Trace Ireland last summer. The campaign aims to promote responsible outdoor recreation practices that will ensure a healthier and sustainable future for all and calls on everyone to take care of the outdoors. There has been a notable increase in littering throughout the country over the past weekend, and areas affected include OPW heritage sites.
Where it has been safe to do so, toilet facilities have also reopened at OPW heritage sites, but their availability is dependent on local arrangements at each site and subject to ongoing review.
For an updated list of OPW heritage sites that are already open or will reopen, click here or visit heritageireland.ie
The online list will be updated as more sites are able to reopen over the coming weeks
Shauna McCrudden
Latest posts by Shauna McCrudden (see all)
- AE Consulting to handle communications for Keith Prowse Attractions Ireland - February 9, 2023
- Emirates will be landing in Ireland this February with exciting career opportunities - February 1, 2023
- Visit the Holiday World Show 2023 in Dublin this weekend! - January 26, 2023
- Brittany Ferries hails strong start to 2023 - January 24, 2023
- Finalists Announced for Irish Travel Industry Awards - January 16, 2023
