17/11/2014

Thousands Attend European Heritage Open Days

A record number of people have attended European Heritage Open Days throughout Northern Ireland this year, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced.

In September of this year, he said 75,610 people took part in the celebration of European-built heritage, an increase of 11% from 2013.

More than 400 buildings and events took part in the initiative.

Minister Durkan said: "European Heritage Open Days keep getting bigger and better each year. This year, visitors were able to see how a building of interest could be brought to life through film, craft and food events.

"I would like to say a big thank you to all the owners who opened their doors and to the people who came in their droves from far and wide to appreciate our historic gems."

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board, who host the EHOD webpage within Discover NI, added that they are "extremely impressed" with the event's popularity.

Naomi Waite, NITB Director of Marketing, commented: "The Northern Ireland Tourist Board was delighted to host the EHOD webpage within discovernorthernireland.com which provided information and updates on the widest choice of free activities throughout this fantastic weekend.

"I am extremely impressed with the significant increase in the number of page views to this site and the huge number of visitors attracted to this years' event."

(JP/MH)

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