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Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), has announced that the OPW is giving free access to its heritage sites to holders of Heritage Cards issued by English Heritage.

Speaking at Oldbridge House (Battle of the Boyne) this afternoon, while attending the North East Connemara Pony Breeders Group Show the Minister said: “I recently met and discussed this initiative with Baroness Kay Andrews, Chair of English Heritage.  I am delighted to welcome and encourage tourists to come and visit Ireland to explore the amazing heritage we have to offer.  Holders of English heritage cards will be able to use those cards to gain free access to all OPW -managed sites.  I look forward to seeing how this initiative works over the next year and hope this encourages tourism.”

The Minister continued: “I have also asked my officials to explore similar initiatives with Historic Scotland and Cadw, the Welsh Heritage Agency and hope to make a further announcement in this regard shortly.”

The Minister concluded: “The OPW has responsibility for 780 National Monuments and Historic Properties and provides an excellent guide service at 70 of these sites. For further details on access to sites you should log on to the OPW Heritage Services website,

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