The European Heritage Open Days takes place this weekend, with over 340 free openers and events to choose from on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September across Northern Ireland. Organised by the Historic Environment Division of the Department for Communities, under the banner of ‘Love Heritage NI’, the European Heritage Open Days provide a great chance for the public to see behind closed doors and experience the magic of our historic environment. Ahead of the weekend, Angela Gregg, Department For Communities, Historical Environment Division, looks at some of the main events and highlights for Way out West.
  1. Talk by film location manager Christopher Myers
Castle Coole, Enniskillen, BT74 6JY Filmmaker Christopher Myers will give a talk at Castle Coole NT on recent film projects shot in Fermanagh, including feature film Miss Julie (filmed on location at Castle Coole), BBC comedy Blandings and a yet to be released Hollywood action film. The talk will close with a screening of a short film shot on location in Fermanagh close to Castle Coole, titled ‘Land is God’, directed by Jonathan Beer, and produced by Christopher Myers and Fermanagh born BAFTA winner Brian J Falconer. Opening Times: Sat: 15:00-17:00 BOOKING ESSENTIAL email: ehod@communities-ni.gov.uk
  1. Talk by film location manager Catherine Geary
The Black Box, 18-22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA The job of a film location manager is a challenging one; from staging a blood-soaked gun battle in Belfast City Hall to transporting an entire street back to the 1970s. How does local location manager Catherine Geary turn a director’s creative vision into reality? Hear about the daily challenges of working on productions such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Skyfall, Game of Thrones, Dracula Untold and Philomena, as well as the fulfilment and excitement of the job. Opening Times: Sat: 13:00-15:00, lasts 2 hours BOOKING ESSENTIAL visit www.blackboxbelfast.com and select Buy Tickets
  1. Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre
3 Main Street, Belleek, BT93 3FY When you step into the world of Belleek Pottery you enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions. Tours have been coming to Belleek Pottery for decades. Discover the secrets that have made Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish Craftsmanship with a visit to its award winning visitor centre. Opening Times: Sat: 10:00-17:30, Tours at 11am, 12pm & 3pm Sun: 14:00-17:30
  1. Larne Market Yard
Station Road, Larne, BT40 3AA Open Day with traditional crafts, living history characters, interactive workshops, talks and tours about history of Larne Market Yard and its recent refurbishment. Opening Times: Sat: 11:00-15:00, Tours approx every hour
  1. Open day at Blackhead Lightkeepers’ Houses
Blackhead Lightkeepers’ Houses, McCrae’s Brae, Whitehead, BT38 9NZ Visitors have the opportunity to see the conservation work of an Irish Landmark in a self-guided tour of these restored lighthouse keepers’ houses. Built during the glory days of Belfast’s shipping era, the houses provide stunning views of Belfast Lough and beyond and would have been seen by the Titanic as she left port. They have changed little since they were built and retain many of their original features with elegant detailing such as high ceilings and long sash windows. Opening Times: Sun: 10:00-16:00
  1. Artisan Food and Craft Market
Dunluce Castle, 87 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, BT57 8UY The iconic Dunluce Castle is hosting the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Food and Craft Market. Within the dramatic setting of the castle walls, a host of market stalls will showcase their exquisite handcrafted products, the best the north coast has to offer. Interact with the artisan who has made them and try some gourmet foods. Discover new flavours and artistic talent, and savour the uniquely vibrant atmosphere. Free shuttle bus from Magheracross tourist car park. Opening Times: Sun: 11:00-16:00
  1. Screening of The Frankenstein Chronicles
Campbell College, Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2ND This screening will take place in the stunning surroundings of Campbell College’s Central Hall where The Frankenstein Chronicles was filmed. This room doubled as the Houses of Parliament. An epic re-imagining of Mary Shelley’s myth for a modern audience, blending supernatural horror with period police procedural. Inspector John Marlott (Sean Bean) investigates crimes in 19th century London, which may have been committed by a scientist intent on re-animating the dead. PG film. Opening Times: Sat: 20:00-22:00 BOOKING ESSENTIAL belfastfilmfestival.org/films
  1. Screening of ‘The Truth Commissioner’
The Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Derry~Londonderry, BT48 6DQ Set in post-Troubles Northern Ireland. The Truth Commissioner follows the fictional story of Henry Stanfield who has just been appointed as Truth Commissioner to Northern Ireland. Revolving around the lives of three men who are involved in the disappearance, 20 years earlier, of 15 year old Connor Roche. Bloody and inconvenient truths about those running the country are uncovered. Everyone claims to want The Truth, but what is it going to cost and who will pay for it? PG film. Booking essential via https://belfastfilmfestival.org/films Opening Times: Sun: 14:00-16:00 BOOKING ESSENTIAL See above
  1. Bangor Castle
Town Hall, The Castle, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, BT20 4BT A large Victorian mansion built for Hon. Robert Edward Ward, the local landlord, to designs by William Burn in a Jacobean / Elizabethan revival style. Completed in 1852, the interior includes decorative plaster work and joinery, particularly in the current council chamber which was once a grand music salon as well as a beautiful art collection. The castle has served as council offices since 1952. Opening Times: Sun: 12:00-16:30, Access is via guided tour only which begin every 30 minutes from 12 noon, the last tour is 16.00.
  1. Aghalurcher Graveyard Tour
Aghalurcher, Lisnaskea, BT74 7HL The volunteers of Fermanagh Genealogy Centre will take regular tours of this historic graveyard throughout the afternoon. Helping people uncover the ways to unlock the stories of our past from gravestones. For more detail visit http:// fermanaghgenealogy.org or facebook.com/ fermanaghgc Opening Times: Sun: 13:30-16:30, tours throughout the afternoon. For more information and to download the brochure visit: www.discovernorthernireland/ehod or pick up a brochure at your local library or tourist information centre.