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Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has encouraged people to take part in this year's European Heritage Open Days, which will take place on 12 and 13 September 2026. Thousands of people take part each year by visiting heritage sites and attractions in towns, villages and cities throughout the north.
This year's theme is "Heritage at Risk, Revive, Resist, Reimagine," focusing on vulnerable or changing heritage and the efforts being made to protect and revive it. Lyons said European Heritage Open Days were "a fantastic opportunity for people to explore the rich and diverse heritage that surrounds us."
He said the programme offered something for everyone, whether people were interested in history, architecture, culture or simply discovering somewhere new. Lyons said "I encourage everyone to browse the full programme and plan your visits, completely free of charge."
The annual programme celebrates Northern Ireland's built, cultural and natural heritage, offering opportunities to explore well known landmarks and discover hidden gems.
Local events include:
- Narrow Water Castle Keep Saturday 12: 10:00 - 16:00 Sunday 13: 10:00 - 15:00
An excellent example of the tower house and bawn, built in 1568 at the strategic spot where the Newry River meets Carlingford Lough. It replaced the nearby Anglo-Norman fortification built in 1212 by Hugh de Lacy, 1st Earl of Ulster, to prevent attacks on Newry by the river as part of the area’s Norman defences. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Visitors can enjoy exploring the surrounding grounds and take in the striking setting where river and lough meet. While the interior is currently closed to allow for important conservation works, the site still offers a fascinating glimpse into its historic past and strategic significance.
- St Luke's Parish Church Mullaghglass Saturday 12: 10:00-14:00
A Grade B+ listed church, built in 1833 as the Parish Church of Killevy and dedicated to St. Luke the Evangelist.
The church is an unusual design, being barn shaped rather than the traditional cruciform shape of most Anglican churches.
It was built to replace the Old St. Mary's Church in Drumbanagher, and designed to hold 550 souls each Sunday.
Things to see include:
Stained Glass windows saved from the old church at Meigh
An 1800s Telford Organ, saved from Malahide Church in 1906
Unique locally crafted pulpit, constructed in 1903The church will be open on Saturday Morning, feel free to explore at your own leisure.
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Newry Museum Saturday 12 September
11:00 – 12.30 Tour and Arts and Calligraphy workshop for children aged 5 - 11. Children will be taken on a tour of the exhibition followed by workshop where they can reimagine and reinterpret the art on display in their own unique ways.
14:00 - Tour of Newry and Mourne Museum, including the temporary exhibitions Categorically Celtic and Making Waves.
14:30 - 16:00 An afternoon of songs and storytelling. Visitors can take part in interactive afternoon reviving ancient myths and legends through songs and stories.
Sunday 13 September
13:00 - 14:00 Tour of Newry and Mourne Museum, including the temporary exhibitions Categorically Celtic and Making Waves.
14.30 – 16:00 Workshops for visitors aged 18 and over. Activities based on traditional design and art.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: email declan.carroll@nmandd.org
- Dromantine House
14:30-15:30 Explore the beautiful surroundings of Dromantine House, set in peaceful countryside near Newry. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the grounds at their own leisure, offering a relaxing opportunity to take in the setting and atmosphere of this impressive property.
A guided tour of the house will take place at 14:30 on Saturday, providing a chance to discover more about its history, architecture and the stories connected to the estate. Places are limited.
Whether you join the tour or simply enjoy a walk around the grounds, Dromantine offers a welcoming and memorable heritage experience. The grounds are open to visitors until 21:00
HOUSE TOUR - BOOKING ESSENTIAL Telephone 02830821224 by 17:00 on Thursday 10th September.
- Sluicekeepers Cottage 12 and 13 September 10:00-15:00
The Summit Level Sluice Keeper's Cottage Visitor Centre is located on the towpath at Lough Shark (Acton Lake) and operated by IWAI Newry Portadown Branch volunteers.
Our group promote the canal's history and the ongoing task of protecting the canal's continued resilience through displays and interactive exhibits, while also promoting a shared stewardship and responsibility for the future of the canal within the community. Our latest acquisition to our exhibits is a working model replica of Campbell's Lock, complete with replica barges.
We invite you to call and discover the history of the canal, hear about what we imagine and plan for the future and while you're here, take in the wonderful scenery, fauna and wildlife, while you enjoy a complimentary cuppa!
- Moodys Lock 12 September 14:00-16:00
The IWAI Newry Portadown Canal Branch will give a talk that celebrates this historic canal's past, and ongoing resilience in the current climate, and the diverse ways it can be revived as an asset for the local communities in the future.
Everyone is most welcome to join us on the Newry Canal at Moody's Lock, Poyntzpass as we tell you about the fascinating legacy of the canal and how our local group of volunteers help resist the decline of the canal and imagine what it can be for future generations in our community.
This will be followed by a small craft rally where the public are invited to join us on the canal on board a selection of watercraft. Life jackets will be provided. - The Old Courthouse Markethill 12 September 09:00-16:00 13 September 12:00-15:00
This simple but imposing Georgian style building, complete with its original basement cells, was built in 1842 to the design of the Newry architect Thomas Duff. It was the home of Petty Sessions until 1940, holding still to this day within its walls the social history of the people of the area.
You are invited to come and visit this wonderful building, enjoy a short spell in the cells, view its lofty cupola and listen to stories of the past, of local disputes over land, wandering stock, unpaid fines, even judge for yourself a case of "seduction". Then hear the tale of a birth that connects us still to another Continent.A local tour guide will guide you round the building while delving into the history of The Old Courthouse, including how - when in 1993, in very poor condition and listed as "at risk" - it was rescued and repurposed by Markethill District Enterprises for the benefit of the wider community, with the popular Courtrooms Restaurant, Happy Hills childcare facility and community meeting room space.
Why not finish off your stay by treating yourself to something tasty in The Courtrooms Restaurant and a visit to the Community Garden at the rear of the building.
The full 2026 programme is available to browse at https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk
