Limerick landmarks land promotional drive for summer
HERITAGE sites are reopening and events are lined up, as the promotion of Limerick landmarks lands just in time for summer. The government Office of Public Works (OPW) has launched a campaign called ‘Step into Our Story’ to promote historical sites dotted around Limerick and encourage the public to visit during the brighter months. Desmond Castle in Newcastle West is reopening for public consumption, as people are invited to ‘step inside’ and explore the medieval ‘story’ of the site.
Minister for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan T.D. said: “We are thrilled to reopen Desmond Castle in Newcastle West this early in the year and for it to remain open longer into the season than usual.
“Desmond Castle in Newcastle West is among the OPW’s most impressive medieval heritage sites, a lot of upgrade work has gone into the site over the last number of months by the OPW, and there are many exciting plans for the site into the future.” Limerick has a rich historical significance and OPW is holding spring and summer ‘Step into Our Story’ events for locals and visitors to experience the heritage of the county in places such as the 9,000 years of life in Lough Gur, Desmond Castle in Adare or Askeaton Castle. “The heritage landmarks re-opening, as well as those open all year, significantly contribute to the local sense of place, the local economy and are great places for all the family to enjoy,” Minister O’Donovan continued.
“The OPW is working hard to safeguard our national landmarks and the preservation of these heritage sites shows the clear investment by the State in our heritage portfolio.” The most recently compiled figures showed almost 13 million visitors stepped through the doors of OPW heritage sites in 2021. Some sites are free of charge to visit while Easter and summer events can be sourced online on the OPW heritage Ireland website.
There is an OPW Heritage Card also available, which gives visitors unlimited access and offers for anyone wanting to learn more about Ireland’s cultural heritage.
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