OPW celebrates August bank holiday weekend with exciting events at OPW locations nationwide

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to announce a series of events taking place at various locations across the country this August Bank Holiday. From markets to art exhibitions to history tours, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Farmleigh and Oldbridge House, Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre are hosting a Food and Craft market and a Farmer’s Market over the weekend. Visitors can savour artisan delights, pick up some fresh produce and discover unique crafts at our lively markets.

For history buffs, the Custom House Visitor Centre is hosting the ‘Irish Famine and Workhouse’ tours. Visitors can step back in time and learn all about the Great Famine and the Irish workhouse system from our expert guides.

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said:

Farmleigh is hosting the Dublin Book Festival over the bank holiday weekend which promises to be fun for all the family. Join us for an exciting and engaging day featuring some of Ireland’s best-loved children’s authors and illustrators. There will be plenty of drop-in activities running throughout the day to get immersed in, including a self-led family scavenger hunt around the grounds to enjoy in your own time, book shop browsing, our children’s book swap stand, and our creative arts and craft station.

For more children entertainment, why not take a stroll through the Magical Fairy Door Trail at Charles Fort Military Fortress, Cork where fairy tales come to life.

Casino Marino, Rathfarnham Castle and the National Botanic Gardens are hosting art exhibitions over the bank holiday weekend. Visitors can immerse themselves in beautiful and inspiring images, drawings and photographs throughout our OPW locations.

Don’t forget our new exciting initiative that sees free admission for all individuals under 18 to heritage sites across the country for the month of August 2025. This initiative encourages visitors under 18 to explore and engage with their culture and heritage during the month of August and ensure access for all, by removing financial barriers.

Join us this August bank Holiday weekend for fun-filled events at OPW locations across the country. For more information and a full list of events see links below or visit www.heritageireland.ie.

ENDS

For more information about the events please see links below:

Oldbridge House, Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Meath

Farmer’s Market - link

Custom House

Irish Famine and Workhouse tours – link

Casino Marino, Dublin

Sightseers by James Hanley RHA - link

Charles Fort Military Fortress

Fairy Door Trail – link

Farmleigh, Dublin

Farmleigh Food & Craft Market - link

Dublin Book Festival Family Fun Day – link

National Botanic Garden, Glasnevin

Irish Photographic Federation Nature Exhibition - link

Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin

No Ordinary Love – link

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please contact pressoffice@opw.ie for more information and to arrange an interview.
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Office of Public Works (OPW)
The OPW provides accommodation for government services and manages much of the State’s property portfolio.
It cares for 780 heritage sites, including national monuments, historic parks, gardens and buildings. It is the government’s principal engineering agency, providing an engineering service to the Flood Risk Management and Estate Portfolio Management functions of the OPW as well as to other government departments.