Annual Report 2005 - The Office of Public Works

During 2005 the national monuments workforce continued with conservation work on the
18th century church located on the site. The main focus during 2005 was to re-roof the
church. As part of the conservation project, and in order to afford it a high level of protection,
the Durrow High Cross was moved from the graveyard to the body of the church.
This project is being funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.
VISITOR SERVICES
A primary function of the Heritage Services in the OPW is the conservation and presentation
of built heritage sites that are in its care. During 2005 Visitor Services continued to deliver its
extensive ongoing work programme. The following is an overview of some of the main
objectives that were achieved during the year:
Guide Service
Safe public access to the built heritage sites was achieved by augmenting the permanent
Guides cadre with the recruitment of approximately 350 Guides on a seasonal basis. The
total fee-paying visitor numbers of in excess of 2.2 million in 2005 was testament to the
enduring popularity of the sites. In addition to this, Heritage Card holders also visited the
vast network of sites.
Heritage Card
The OPW Heritage card opens the door to many of Ireland's finest heritage sites and
provides unlimited admission for one year to approximately 50 fee-paying heritage sites
throughout the country. During 2005 the OPW Heritage Card was redesigned and a gift
presentation wallet was introduced. Almost 20,000 Heritage Cards were purchased during
2005 which is a clear indication of the popularity of the heritage sites and also the
exceptional value for money which the card affords the holder.
'Family Connections'
Heritage Houses and Castles through Historic Irish Family Lives
This free programme of events was held during September and October at eight of the most
significant State-owned architectural and historical properties, maintained by the Office of
Public Works. These properties are associated with some of the most notable Irish Families
and individuals spanning 800 years and their role in our history is significant, be they Norman,
French, Huguenot, English, Gaelic or Anglo-Irish.
Music from the period by some of the leading musicians in the country enhanced the events.
During the programme of events some descendants of the families and others with more
distant links to the family or property, but all who have a special connection, were present.
Newgrange
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