Sustainable travel collaboration for Heritage Week
This year’s theme for National Heritage Week is Connections, Routes and Networks. Inspired by this, the Office of Public Works (OPW) are incentivising visitors to use the Local Links rural public transport service to access twelve heritage sites across Ireland. This is the first year that the OPW and the Department of Transport are rolling out this exciting initiative.
OPW heritage sites participating in Local Links to the Past will grant free admission to visitors who take the Local Links service from Monday to Friday, August 19 to 23. To avail of this offer, present your Local Link ticket at reception. A full list of participating sites and the corresponding Local Links services are available on www.heritageireland.ie
The Transport for Ireland (TFI) Local Link Service is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, a major national transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority, with the aim of increasing connectivity and a sustainable method of travel, particularly for people living outside major cities and towns.
Minister of State for the OPW Kieran O’Donnell said: “In Partnership with Transport for Ireland, the OPW are highlighting the Local Links services that bring visitors to iconic sites in rural Ireland, including the Glendalough and Clonmacnoise Monastic Sites, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery and Ionad an Bhlascaoid – the Blasket Centre. This campaign underlines the OPW’s commitment to advancing sustainable solutions.
“Sustainability and climate action are at the core of the Office of Public Works’ Statement of Strategy and the OPW is committed to a vision that strives for harmony between our built and natural environments. Collaboration across Government and engagement in communities are key to this endeavour. ”
Minister for the Department of Transport Eamon Ryan added: “National Heritage Week is an opportunity for us all to connect with the historic sites that have shaped Ireland’s past. There is no better way to shape Ireland’s future than by choosing sustainable transport methods to explore the beauty and cultural richness that Ireland has to offer. I warmly welcome this initiative to offer free admission to those who travel by Local Link to participating heritage sites and encourage people to take advantage of it.”
Sites participating in the Local Link to the Past campaign include:
Portumna Castle and Gardens
547 - https://www.locallinkgalway.ie/dynamic-timetables/route-547---portumna-to-ballinasloe
322 - https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TFI-Local-Link-Route-322-Portumna-to-Nenagh-Nov23.pdf