European Heritage Open Days 2025 at Newry and Mourne Museum

Newry and Mourne Museum will host a special programme of events to celebrate European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) 2025 on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September. 

Held annually across Europe, EHOD offers free access to historic sites, cultural landmarks and heritage experiences. This year’s theme, ‘Past Structures, Future Connections’ highlights the ways in which historic buildings continue to shape the communities we live in today.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors and locals to explore the wonderful buildings and absorb the rich history that Newry has to offer. This year’s programme at the Museum highlights not only our past but the ways in which heritage continues to connect us today.”

At Newry and Mourne Museum, two exclusive tours will provide an opportunity to step back into the city’s past. On Saturday 13 September at 11am, Dr Ken Abraham, former curator of the Museum will lead an insightful architectural tour of Bagenal’s Castle, examining the unique design of the 16th-century fortified house and how it reflects the ambitions of its builder, Sir Nicholas Bagenal. Later that day, at 1.30pm Sebastian Graham, Heritage Projects Officer at Ulster Architectural Heritage, will guide a walking tour through Newry’s historic centre, uncovering the stories behind some of the city’s most iconic buildings, designed by renowned architects including Thomas Duff, WJ Barre and William Watson.

Free guided tours of the Museum’s permanent displays will also run on Sunday 14 September, exploring the wider history of the region - from prehistoric artefacts and Newry’s development as a merchant town to personal stories shaped by life along the border in the 20th century.

For families, a ‘Build Your Own Castle’ drop-in workshop will offer children aged five and over the chance to get creative and design their own medieval masterpieces.

Spaces on the special tours are limited, and booking is essential. To reserve a place please email Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org. Full details of walking tours and the wider European Heritage Open Days programme are available at https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/european-heritage-open-days