The diverse built heritage of Cork city is to be celebrated on Saturday, August 20^th with more than 40 buildings throwing open their doors free-of-charge for the 12^th annual Cork Heritage Open Day.

Famed traditional Irish singer Sean Ó Sé is the ambassador for this year’s jam-packed event, which is the biggest to date.

From the educational to ecclesiastical, medieval to military, and civic to commercial, many of the buildings involved are not usually accessible to the general public. Cork Heritage Open Day also includes an exciting programme of free guided tours, talks and a heritage treasure hunt. Cork Heritage Open Day is organised by Cork City Council as part of Heritage Week in partnership with the Heritage Council and is proudly supported by media sponsors Evening Echo and Cork’s 96FM.

“Every year Cork Heritage Open Day grows in size and popularity. This year is its 12^th anniversary and to celebrate we are presenting our biggest programme to date, packed with fun activities for all ages,” said Niamh Twomey, Heritage Officer at Cork City Council. “Cork’s built heritage tells a fascinating tale, and we are delighted that so many buildings continue to participate in this fantastic event. We are also pleased to welcome this year’s two new buildings, St Angela’s College, and Cork’s 96FM. Every building involved has its own unique history and architecture, which can be discovered on Saturday, August 20^th.”

This year’s Cork Heritage Open Day Ambassador, famed traditional Irish singer Sean Ó Sé added: “I am honoured to be involved in Cork Heritage Open Day. The event is instrumental in ensuring that local heritage on the banks of our own lovely Lee is recognised and celebrated.”

Some of the many exciting events on the day include an exhibition on the Easter Rising at Cork City and County Archives, while Cork Public Museum in Fitzgerald Park will recognise the 1916 centenary with a display centred on the testimonies of local people involved in the Rising. Reimagine Cork, a community effort focused on transforming the city, will run a heritage treasure hunt for adults celebrating Cork’s history, heritage and humour, and there will also be fun-filled family activities such as the Coal Quay festival on Cornmarket Street and a Medieval Day at Elizabeth Fort.

Cork Heritage Open Day will mark the start of Cork Heritage Week, running from August 20th to 28th. For a full list of events see www.corkheritageopenday.ie or pick up a brochure at Cork City Library or Cork City Tourist Information Office on Grand Parade. Further information will also be available on Facebook at ‘Cork Heritage Open Day’ and on Twitter at @corkheritage.