Did you know that you can visit some of Ireland’s most incredible heritage sites for free on the first Wednesday of each month? Almost 40 OPW-managed (Office of Public Works) attractions are part of this fantastic offer, including gems like Charles Fort in Cork, Ross Castle in Killarney, and Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór. These locations typically charge €5 per person or €13 for families, but on First Wednesdays, individual visitors and families can enjoy free entry.
Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with no online booking available. To make the most of your visit, it’s recommended to arrive early, especially at busier spots. However, it’s important to note that some of Ireland’s most popular sites, such as Kilmainham Gaol, Newgrange, and the Rock of Cashel, are not included in this offer.
Here’s a sample of the fascinating places you can visit for free on First Wednesdays:
- Co Clare: Ennis Friary
- Co Cork: Charles Fort, Doneraile Court, Garinish Island
- Co Donegal: Donegal Castle, Glebe Gallery and Garden
- Co Dublin: Casino Marino, Farmleigh House and Gardens, Rathfarnham Castle, Custom House Visitor Centre
- Co Galway: Athenry Castle, Aughnanure Castle, Dún Aonghasa, Pearse’s Cottage, Portumna Castle and Gardens
- Co Kerry: Ardfert Cathedral, Derrynane House, The Blasket Centre, Ross Castle
- Co Kildare: Castletown House and Parklands
- Co Kilkenny: Jerpoint Abbey
- Co Laois: Emo Court and Estate
- Co Leitrim: Parke’s Castle
- Co Limerick: Adare Castle
- Co Louth: Old Mellifont Abbey Monastic Site
- Co Mayo: Céide Fields and Visitor Centre
- Co Meath: Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Trim Castle
- Co Roscommon: Boyle Abbey
- Co Sligo: Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Sligo Abbey
- Co Tipperary: Cahir Castle, Ormond Castle, Roscrea Castle, The Swiss Cottage
- Co Waterford: Reginald’s Tower
- Co Wexford: John F. Kennedy Arboretum, Tintern Abbey
- Co Wicklow: Glendalough Monastic Site and Visitor Centre
Some of these sites are seasonal, so it’s best to check in advance. However, several top attractions, including Charles Fort, Donegal Castle, Dún Aonghasa, and Glendalough Visitor Centre, are open all year round.
Please note that while entry to these heritage sites is free, boat trips to locations like Garinish Island and Inis Mór (for Dún Aonghasa) are not included in the offer. Don’t miss the chance to explore these incredible historic and cultural landmarks while saving a few euros!
