European Heritage Open Days is an annual event celebrating local architecture, history and culture, which takes place across Europe on the second weekend in September. In Northern Ireland European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) is run by the Department for Communities with the support of the Council of Europe and the European Commission.
European Heritage Open Days is an annual event celebrating local architecture, history and culture, which takes place across Europe on the second weekend in September. In Northern Ireland European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) is run by the Department for Communities with the support of the Council of Europe and the European Commission.
European Heritage Open days (EHOD) 2026
Each year over 250 people open their doors and organise events for EHOD across Northern Ireland.It is a once-a-year opportunity for curious families, architecture lovers and heritage enthusiasts to explore buildings and exclusive sites rarely open to the public. European Heritage Open Days will take place 12 and 13 September 2026.
Across Europe, EHOD events share a common annual theme. For 2026 the theme is:
“Heritage at Risk – Revive, Resist, Reimagine”
This theme invites organisers to explore the stories behind the places they care about, airing the physical site with the human voices, memory, craft and culture that bring it to life.
Whether through storytelling tours, Why This Place? statements, craft demonstrations, digital interpretation, or creative community projects, the theme offers many ways to reimagine and animate your site for visitors.
If there is a local character you wish to celebrate, a historic area that deserves recognition, or a story about your home, workplace or community that you want to share—EHOD is your opportunity to showcase it. We don’t define “heritage” — that’s up to you.
Find out more and how to register at the link below.
