Cork Heritage day will mark Rory Gallagher anniversary

More than 40 buildings will be opened to the public free of charge as part of Cork Heritage open day on August 22nd.

Niamh Twomey, heritage officer at Cork City Council, said the programme included a large number of free events and the day had gone from strength to strength since it began in 2005 to mark Cork’s designation as European Capital of Culture.

This year it recognises the 20th anniversary of musician Rory Gallagher’s death, with walking tours by Marcus Connaughton, the author of several books on his life. There are also maritime tours at Port of Cork Custom House and a water heritage day at the Lifetime Lab.

Elizabeth Fort will host a medieval family fun day with historical re-enactments and displays of weaponry and pottery as well as archery and medieval games.

The Cork City and County Archives will be open for Moments in Time: 1915 Archives of Cork which details the visit of Pádraig Pearse to the city.

Walking tour highlights include one that packs 250 years of the city’s history into 900 yards in the vicinity of Grand Parade.

Some events need to be pre-booked. corkheritageopenday.ie.