3 May 2015

Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (03 May 2015) reminded families and visitors that the 2015 season for sites owned and managed by the OPW is now fully underway.

Speaking this morning the Minister said: "It gives me great pleasure to remind everyone of the initiatives that my office, the OPW, has put in place to encourage visitors to witness at first hand the rich and diverse history and culture that the iconic OPW heritage sites provide".

Visitor numbers to heritage sites, as managed by the OPW, continue to rise and totalled 4.4 million in 2014. Among the top visited sites are the National Botanic Gardens, Farmleigh Estate, Castletown House & Parklands and Kilkenny Castle.

Minister Harris continued: "My office continues to waive the entry fee for both primary and secondary school student tours to all OPW managed Heritage Sites. I am also delighted to confirm the continuation of the "Free First Wednesday" concession throughout 2015, whereby my office waives the entry fee to all OPW managed Heritage Sites on the first Wednesday of every month".

The Minister concluded: "It is important to remember that the OPW Heritage Card guarantees admission to all fee-paying State managed OPW Heritage Sites, located throughout the country, for a full year from date of first use. It is certainly value for money and is an ideal gift for a friend or loved one. I am proud that my office plays a pivotal role in presenting and safeguarding our national historical heritage and I encourage visitors from at home and abroad to take the time to get to know or reacquaint themselves with our wonderful sites".

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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister of State Harris please contact Colette Davis (OPW Press Officer) - 087 947 5552 or email colette.davis@opw.ie

Notes to Editors:

Schools are advised to pre-book a minimum of 21 days in advance.

Over 70,000 people availed of "Free First Wednesday" concession in 2014.

Over 16,800 Heritage Cards were purchased in 2014 at a cost of €25 per adult; (concessions for 60 years and over = €20; and Student/child 6 -18 years = €10) and Family Card = €60.00

OPW also offers free entry to English Heritage Card Holders and Friends of Manx National Heritage.

Full details of the above initiatives are available on www.heritageireland.ie