Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
Admission charges to all fee-paying open OPW heritage sites in Co. Roscommon and across the country are being waived in line with the Government’s recovery and reopening plan outlined in The Path Ahead, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
Senator Aisling Dolan has welcomed the announcement from Minister for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Patrick O’ Donovan which will support the tourism industry and local businesses in Co. Roscommon by incentivising people to discover, enjoy and cherish the many OPW heritage sites spread across the county.
The measure is effective immediately and will remain in force until the end of the year.
Senator Dolan said: “This means families can travel around the country this year to our fantastic heritage sites and visit for free such as Boyle Abbey. I’m looking forward to visiting Clonmacnoise and Shannonbridge such a treasure on our doorstep here in South Roscommon.
Places like Newgrange, Glendalough and the Rock of Cashel are stunning and international sites of historical significance. The Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Derrynane House and Gardens in Kerry and castles around the country are open to explore. In some places, it is the outdoor areas only that are open so do check ahead”
“With a growing list of open heritage sites and the easing of travel restrictions, we have a renewed opportunity to explore the treasures which the OPW holds in trust for the nation.”
“Before Covid-19, OPW’s visitor attractions would have welcomed over 9 million visitors a year – many of them international visitors – contributing significantly to cultural and heritage tourism in Ireland. 2021 will be different, as all easing of restrictions at OPW’s sites is done carefully and in line with public health guidelines. However, there are already 54 out of 90 OPW sites with visitor services open either in part or fully around the country, meaning there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy.
“This is now the second year in a row that the Government has acted to capitalise on, and contribute to, our historical and cultural destinations by making all of the OPW heritage sites that would normally have an admission fee free for all citizens looking for an enjoyable way to spend their holidays in 2021.
“By travelling around the country, we will get the chance to discover tasty homemade foods, unique crafts as well as supporting people in hospitality and tourism trades.
“As we move towards a safe re-opening and with increasing vaccine roll-out, I’d encourage everyone to see what Ireland has to offer in the months ahead especially now we are able to travel. Planning adventures and trips with friends and family will make us all look forward to the summer. Half the fun is
in the journey and each time we visit our national heritage and cultural treasures, we learn just a little bit more about why Ireland is such a special place”
