European Heritage Open Days 2026

European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) returns to Northern Ireland on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September 2026, offering free access to over 200 historic sites, cultural landmarks, and heritage events across Northern Ireland. Over 30 of these are in Mourne Gullion Strangford.

Discover the Stories, Places and People that Make Mourne Gullion Strangford Unique During European Heritage Open Day 2026.

Join us on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September 2026 for European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) 2026, Northern Ireland's largest celebration of built, cultural and natural heritage.

From the dramatic landscapes of the Mourne Mountains and the ancient legends of the Ring of Gullion to the rich maritime heritage of Strangford Lough, EHOD offers a unique opportunity to explore the stories, places and traditions that have shaped our region.

With free events taking place across Mourne Gullion Strangford, visitors can enjoy exclusive access to historic buildings, heritage attractions, and special experiences that reveal the area's fascinating past and vibrant living heritage.

Whether you're passionate about local history, archaeology, traditional skills, industrial heritage, architecture, nature, or family-friendly adventures, there's something for everyone to discover.

Find Events Near You

From castles, churches and country houses to museums, heritage centres, working harbours and community-led projects, EHOD provides a unique opportunity to experience the heritage of Mourne Gullion Strangford in new and exciting ways. Scroll down to see the listings for the events taking place in Mourne Gullion Strangford.

Plan your weekend, uncover hidden gems and enjoy free access to some of the region's most fascinating places.

This Year's Theme: Heritage at Risk – Revive, Resist, Reimagine

The 2026 theme invites organisers and visitors to explore the stories behind the places, landscapes and traditions they value most.

Across Mourne Gullion Strangford, this theme resonates through the conservation of historic buildings, the preservation of traditional crafts and skills, the protection of archaeological sites, and the celebration of local stories passed down through generations.

Through tours, talks, exhibitions, demonstrations and hands-on activities, EHOD 2026 will showcase how communities across the region are working to protect, celebrate and reimagine their heritage for future generations.

European Heritage Open Days | What's On

The EHOD 2026 programme throughout Northern Ireland features a wide range of free events, including:

Open buildings and heritage sites
Exclusive behind-the-scenes access
Guided walks and heritage tours
Archaeology and local history experiences
Talks, lectures and workshops
Traditional craft demonstrations
Living history and re-enactments
Family fun days and children's activities
Exhibitions, performances and storytelling events
Community heritage celebrations

Browse the listings below and start planning your EHOD weekend in Mourne Gullion Strangford.

Explore Heritage Across Mourne Gullion Strangford

Discover:

The legends and archaeology of the Ring of Gullion
The rich maritime heritage of Strangford Lough
Historic villages, churches and country estates
Traditional crafts and local skills
Industrial and railway heritage
Ancient monuments and historic landscapes
Community stories that continue to shape the region today

Get More Information

For queries about the European Heritage Open Days programme of events, please contact: ehod@communities-ni.gov.uk

Join thousands of visitors this September and discover the people, places, stories and traditions that make Mourne Gullion Strangford one of Northern Ireland's most distinctive heritage destinations.

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