In Northern Ireland each year the Department for Communities, Historic Environment, coordinates the annual Europe wide event held during the second week in September in nearly 50 countries, to celebrate local architecture, history and culture. Each year hundreds of properties and locations in Northern Ireland open their doors and organise events to the public free of charge.

To once again celebrate Northern Ireland’s built heritage, European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) 2021 will be taking place from 6 to 12 September:

. •         events at historic places will take place on 10- 12 September

•           online events will take place from Monday 6 to Sunday 12 September

We are writing to invite you to take part in EHOD 2021 because you may have a building of historical or architectural interest, are an event organiser, community group… with a story to share. Please share this among organisation contacts you have that might have an interest in getting involved with EHOD 2021.

Getting Involved

There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of EHOD and so whether there is a local character or connection to a local figure of note you would like to celebrate, a historic area you want to see recognised or simply want to tell the story of your home, workplace, or community we would love you to take part. This year EHOD is offering both an in person visitor experience, (dependent upon current restrictions that may be in place in September) and a digital offering. Register for EHOD here

EHOD offers the opportunity to showcase the stories and places you care about. We don’t define “heritage” – that is up to you!

The only requirement we have is that your place, space or story is provided free of charge to the public for EHOD and it has heritage at its core. 

This year the theme is “Inclusion-exploring our hidden history together.”  European Heritage Days has always been about bringing people together to appreciate the heritage and culture right on their doorstep.  For EHOD 2021 we want to go one step further and ensure that EHOD is accessible to everyone with events and activities right across Northern Ireland that interest people from all cultures and backgrounds.