RECORD NUMBERS TURN OUT TO CELEBRATE CORK'S HERITAGE

27th August 2014

A decade of Cork Heritage Open Day is marked by record turnout

Early indications show that almost 20,000 people experienced the unique and varied heritage of Cork on the 10th annual Cork Heritage Open Day at the weekend. The glorious sunshine provided a perfect backdrop to heritage festivals, food and family events and free access to buildings all over Cork city.

The World War 1 Trench reconstruction at Cork Public Museum, the Freemasons on Tuckey Streets, Carpenters Hall on Fr. Matthew Quay, Cork Savings Bank on Lapps Quay and the LE Aoife on Albert Quay drew significant numbers, while the Coal Quay festival and the “shawlies” attracted several thousand heritage revellers, foodies and families to enjoy music, dance and a true Cork experience.

“Cork gets to showcase its amazing and unique heritage every year on Cork Heritage Open Day. The variety of Cork’s heritage means that there really is something for everyone to see and enjoy, from young and old, Corkonians and visitors,” said Niamh Twomey, Heritage Officer, Cork City Council.
“This year was a special year being the 10th year of the Open Day, which kicks off Heritage Week in Cork. There were more buildings and events than ever before, and more events and activities for everyone to enjoy,” she added.

Family events in the Lifetime Lab, Crane Lane Theatre and Elizabeth Fort explained through interactive games, puppet shows and tours the intricate heritage and history of Cork, and in St. Anne’s Church and St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the bells ‘rang out’ across the city as the heritage day explorers got to create their own bell tunes.

Buildings that may normally be closed to the public were opened to celebrate Cork Heritage Open Day, from Fenn’s Quay to St. Lukes Church, to the Custom House and Bonded Warehouses at the Port of Cork, among many others.

The Open Day marks the beginning of Cork Heritage Week, which provides a weeklong celebration of Irish and Cork Heritage.

More details are available at www.heritageweek.ie

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