What is an Irish OPW Heritage Card? Is it worth it?
Should I buy an OPW Irish Heritage Card?
If you are planning on traveling to Ireland and visiting national historic properties, the answer is yes. The OPW Irish Heritage Card is similar to the Dublin Pass but covers more sites across the country. By purchasing a card in advance online, you can save money and make the most of your Ireland travel experience. The card is valid for one year from the date of purchase and allows entry for one adult to all fee-paying state-managed heritage sites. A family pass is also available for those traveling with children.
Irish Heritage Cards are provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the Republic of Ireland. They are a government organization that takes care of historic houses, parks and gardens in the States care along with national monuments and historic sites. They are the perfect addition to your dream trip to Ireland.
The Heritage Card Ireland can be purchased for a small sum and it will give you free admission to all the OPW-managed sites located throughout the country.
There are 52 sites listed as free with the Heritage Ireland (OPW) Card but at some locations, there may be a charge for parking or other services so keep that in mind. You can also purchase a British Heritage card which will give you access to many sites in N. Ireland and they have created a partnership with Heritage Ireland that gives you access to sites in the ROI as well.
Frequently Asked Questions: Should I Buy an OPW Irish Heritage Card?
1. Should I consider purchasing an OPW Heritage Card for my trip to Ireland?
Answer: If you plan to visit various heritage sites and historic locations across Ireland, purchasing an OPW Heritage Card can be a cost-effective option. The card offers free admission to many OPW sites for a year from the date of purchase, providing you with the opportunity to explore Ireland’s rich cultural heritage at your own pace.
2. What are the advantages of owning an OPW Irish Heritage Card?
Answer: The OPW Irish Heritage Card grants you free entry to a wide range of state-managed heritage sites and national monuments around Ireland for one year, allowing you to make the most of your visit without worrying about individual admission fees. It can also be a convenient and economical option for travelers planning to explore Ireland’s historical treasures.
3. Which popular attractions in Ireland can I visit with an OPW Heritage Card?
Answer: The OPW Heritage Card provides access to iconic sites such as Dublin Castle, Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, Glendalough, Trim Castle, Jerpoint Abbey, Cahir Castle, Newgrange, and Muckross House, among others. These locations offer a glimpse into Ireland’s rich history and cultural heritage.
4. How can I purchase the OPW Heritage Card?
Answer: You can buy an OPW Heritage Card online, at selected visitor centers, or at the entrance of participating sites. Simply choose the option that suits your preferences and begin exploring Ireland’s historic landmarks with ease.
5. How much does an Irish Heritage Card cost?
Answer: The Irish Heritage Card is a fantastic value for the cost. Children under 6 are free and a family is considered 2 adults and up to 5 children.
Adult €40
Senior (over 60) €30
Child (under 18) €10
Family €90
6. Are there Free OPW Heritage sites?
Answer: Some heritage sites in Ireland are already free. Dunamase Castle, for example, is free, as is the ruined Abbey in Donegal Town.
On the first Wednesday of each month, many OPW Heritage Sites offer Free Admission to independent/individual visitors and families. A list of participating sites appears below. You can find the sites offering free admission here
Download the Irish Heritage Card brochure here.
Should you Buy an Irish Heritage Card?
If you want to visit some of the most incredible sites in Ireland the answer is yes. Even if you only visit half a dozen of the sites you are saving money.
Here’s a typical itinerary from Dublin to Waterford: Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, Kilkenny Castle, Tintern Abbey, Glendalough, Jerpoint Abbey, JFK Memorial Park and Arboretum, Dunmore Caves & Reginald’s Tower you will spend €53 compared to the OPW Heritage card at €40.
Where do I Buy an Irish Heritage Card?
OPW Irish Heritage cards can be purchased at any of the sites your first visit and they are valid for one year from the day you purchase it. Depending on the site you purchase your OPW Card from you may need cash to buy it as some places don’t have credit card machines.
You can also buy your Irish Heritage Card online and it will be mailed to your home address within around 20 days.
Can I use my English Heritage Card in Ireland?
Planning on visiting Ireland and England? Until recently, your English Heritage card would mean nothing if you tried to use it in Ireland. Not anymore.
Thanks to a recent initiative between English Heritage and Ireland’s Office of Public Works (OPW), your card is now a key into some of Ireland’s most beautiful and historically important heritage sites. You simply have to become a member of English Heritage and your card will be accepted at all the OPW Heritage Card sites in Ireland.
Irish Heritage Card Attractions
Adare Castle – Adare Heritage Centre, Adare, Co. Limerick – Open June to September
Ardfert Cathedral – Ardfert, Tralee, Co. Kerry – Open late March to late September
Athenry Castle – Athenry Castle, Co. Galway – Open late March to early October
Aughnanure Castle – Oughterard, Co.Galway – Open late February to late November
Battle of the Boyne – Oldbridge Estate Drogheda, Co. Meath – Open January to December
Boyle Abbey – Boyle, Co. Roscommon – Open late March to late September
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange and Knowth) – Donore, Co. Meath – Open January to December
Cahir Castle – Cahir, Co. Tipperary – Open January to December
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery – Carrowmore, Co. Sligo – Open late March to early November
Casino Marino – Marino, Dublin 3 – Casino means a small house this one has 16 finely decorated rooms.
Castletown – Celbridge, Co. Kildare – Open March to mid-December. Park open year-round.
Céide Fields – Ballycastle, Co. Mayo – Open mid-March to October
Charles Fort – Summer Cove, Kinsale, Co. Cork – Open January to December
Clonmacnoise – Shannonbridge, Athlone, Co. Offaly – Open January to December
Derrynane House, National Historic Park – Caherdaniel, Co.Kerry – Open mid-March to early December
Desmond Castle Kinsale – Cork Street, Kinsale, Co. Cork – Open June to September
Donegal Castle – Donegal Town, Co.Donegal – Open January to December
Doneraile Court – Doneraile, Co. Cork – Open January to December
Dublin Castle – Dame Street, Dublin 2 – Open January to December
Dún Aonghasa – Aran, Co.Galway – Open January to December
Dunmore Cave – Ballyfoyle, Co. Kilkenny – Open mid-March to October
Emo Court – Emo, Co. Laois – Open late May to early October
Ennis Friary – Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare – Open April to November 1
Farmleigh – Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 – Open January to December
Gallarus Oratory – Gallarus, Dingle, Co. Kerry – Open January to December but the visitors centre is closed in winter.
Glebe House and Gallery – Glebe, Churchill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal – Open late May to early November
Glendalough Visitor Centre – Glendalough, Co. Wicklow – Open January to December
Glenveagh Castle – Churchill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal – Open January to December
Hill of Tara – Navan, Co. Meath – Open late January to December
Ilnacullin (Garinish Island) – Glengarriff, Bantry, Co. Cork – Open April to November 3
The Blascaod Centre – Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, Trá Lí, Co.Chiarraí – Open late March to early November
Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh Connemara – A Connemara Cultural Centre
An Gort Mhór, Rosmuc, Co na Gaillimhe – Open January to December
Jerpoint Abbey – Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny – Open January to December
JFK Memorial Park and Arboretum – New Ross, Co. Wexford – Open January to December
Kilkenny Castle – Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny – Open January to December
Kilmainham Gaol – Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8 – Open January to December
Muckross House & Gardens – National Park, Killarney Co. Kerry – Open January to December
Old Mellifont Abbey – Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co. Louth – Open late May to early September
Ormond Castle – Castle Park, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary – Open late March to early November
Parke’s Castle – Fivemile Bourne, Co. Leitrim – Open late March to early October
Portumna Castle – Portumna, Co. Galway – Open January to December
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre – Cruachan Aí, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon – Open January to December
Rathfarnham Castle – Rathfarnham Road, Dublin 14 – Open January to December
Reginald’s Tower – The Quay, Waterford – Open January to mid-December
Rock of Cashel – Cashel, Co. Tipperary – Open January to December
Roscrea Castle and Damer House & Blackmills – Castle Street, Roscrea, Co.Tipperary – Open late March to late September
Ross Castle – Killarney, Co. Kerry – Open March to early November
Sligo Abbey – Abbey Street, Sligo, Co. Sligo – Open late March to October
Tintern Abbey – Wexford – open March to October
Trim Castle, Co. Meath – Open January to December
An Irish OPW Heritage Card is an excellent buy for anyone interested in exploring Ireland’s rich history and culture. With this card, you have access to over 90 heritage sites across the country, including castles, gardens, and archaeological sites. Not only does it save you money on entrance fees, but it also allows you to visit these sites as many times as you like throughout the year.
If you are someone who appreciates history and enjoys visiting historical landmarks, then purchasing an Irish OPW Heritage Card is definitely worth it. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Ireland’s fascinating past and learn more about the country’s heritage. A Heritage Card gives free entrance to all the places listed above for a period of one year. This includes more than 50 heritage sites all over the country, some of which are among the most popular places to visit in Ireland.
So, what is your favourite historic place in Ireland to visit?
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