Hurricane Ophelia: Heritage sites, gigs and theatre shows cancelled

The State’s major heritage sites were among the venues closed all day on Monday due to the severe weather warning.

The Office of Public Works, which manages all national monument sites and national historic properties such as Farmleigh, said key critical staff remained available to support the Office of Emergency Planning.

Fáilte Ireland also confirmed its offices and tourist offices were closed for the day.

Attractions such as Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Co Clare and St John’s Castle in Limerick also shut up shop on Monday due to Hurricane Ophelia.

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Bunratty Castle, a major attraction in the Shannon Heritage portfolio, creates "a living reconstruction of the homes and environment of Ireland of over a century ago".

It is set on a 26-acre site and features over 30 buildings in a “living village” and rural setting.

A recorded phone message informed would-be visitors on Monday that the attraction was closed.

In Dublin, outdoor events on water were cancelled. These included a daily kayaking trip on the River Liffey for up to 50 people, organised by City Kayaking.

Michael Byrne, one of the owners of the company, said he had been concerned about the predicted storm surge, which might lead to the sea level rising. However, it now appeared that the city might escape the worst of the storm, he said.

As a precaution, the kayak business had tied down all its boats and gear at its launching base on the docks, beside the Jeanie Johnston tall ship. Mr Byrne expected to run the Liffey trip as normal from tomorrow but said he had taken no bookings on Monday.

John O’Neill of the Jeanie Johnston said all tours of the tall ship had been cancelled on Monday for safety reasons. Staff had secured the ship earlier in the morning but had returned home. The ship gets between 60 and 100 visitors a day.

Separately, music promoter Aiken Promotions confirmed that a concert by The Breeders scheduled for Vicar Street in Dublin on Monday night had also been cancelled. The company said anyone who had bought tickets would be refunded at the point of purchase.

Bord Gáis has cancelled its 7.30pm performance of Miss Saigon and says anyone who has purchased a ticket can avail of a refund or attend the show on an alternative date.