European Heritage Open Days (EHOD)

12 -13 September 2026

Explore Northern Ireland’s Heritage

Join thousands of visitors across Northern Ireland for European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) 2026 on 12 and 13 September and discover the stories, places and traditions that shape our shared heritage.

Hosted by the Department for Communities, EHOD is Northern Ireland’s largest celebration of built, cultural and natural heritage. The annual event provides free access to hundreds of sites, tours, talks and activities, offering unique opportunities to explore familiar landmarks and uncover hidden gems.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, archaeology, industrial heritage, traditional crafts, local stories or family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

This Year’s Theme: Heritage at Risk – Revive, Resist, Reimagine

The 2026 theme highlights vulnerable, changing or threatened heritage and the efforts being made to protect, preserve and revitalise it. Through tours, talks, exhibitions and hands-on activities, visitors can discover how heritage is being celebrated and reimagined for future generations.

Discover What’s On

This year’s programme features hundreds of free events across Northern Ireland. Browse the full EHOD 2026 programme here.

Competitions and Activities

Take part in EHOD competitions and activities throughout the weekend and share your heritage discoveries. Visit the EHOD website and social media channels for details on how to enter and prize information.

Share Your Feedback

Help shape future EHOD programmes by completing our visitor survey after your visit:

European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) Visitor Survey 2026 – NI Direct – Citizen Space

Find Out More

For programme information, competition updates and visitor resources, visit:

European Heritage Open Days | Department for Communities or contact ehod@communities-ni.gov.uk.

Plan your visits, explore somewhere new and join the celebration this September!

#EHOD2026 | #HeritageAtRisk | #LoveHeritageNI