Transport for Ireland (TFI) and The Office of Public Works (OPW) are collaborating once again this Heritage Week for the ‘Local Link to the Past’ initiative.
National Heritage Week which runs from the 16th to 24th August 2025.
This marks the second year of collaboration between the OPW and the Department of Transport on this exciting initiative. It supports a shared goal between the OPW, the Department of Transport, and TFI: to encourage sustainable travel while offering greater access to Ireland’s rich heritage.
The 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.
With additional sites added, visitors to participating heritage sites will enjoy free admission when they show a complimentary pass given to them by the bus driver this Heritage Week.
The theme of this year’s Heritage Week is ‘Exploring our Foundations’. TFI Local Link services make this theme come alive by connecting rural communities with some of Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites — including monastic settlements, castles, historic houses, and gardens.
This offer is valid for National Heritage Week which runs from the 16th to 24th August 2025.
Jeremy Ryan, Director of Public Transport Services at the National Transport Authority, said:
“We are delighted to support the ‘Local Link to the Past’ initiative this Heritage Week, in partnership with the Office of Public Works, to connect our passengers with Ireland’s historic landmarks.
The expansion of participating sites underscores our commitment to accessible, affordable, sustainable travel across rural Ireland. By offering complimentary passes for heritage site entry through Local Link services, we’re not just supporting public transport—we’re celebrating our culture, our history and our communities.
We encourage everyone to make the most of this initiative and enjoy free access to heritage sites across Ireland during National Heritage Week.”
Speaking about the initiative, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, said:
“The OPW is delighted to collaborate with Transport for Ireland’s Local Link Network in support of Heritage Week this August. Our partnership aims to highlight the Local Link service, and we are delighted to extend this initiative and include more sites so visitors across the country can avail of this fantastic service.
We are fortunate to have such iconic sites in rural Ireland on the Local Link network – including Donegal Castle, Sligo Abbey, Charles Fort Military Fortress, and Kilkenny Castle so I am encouraging everyone to avail of this magnificent service and get out to visit your local heritage site.
We encourage everyone to make the most of this initiative and enjoy free access to heritage sites across Ireland during National Heritage Week.”
To mark the opening day of Heritage Week, the OPW is offering free admission to over 70 fee-paying heritage sites on Saturday, 16 August.
This initiative forms part of a wider programme of events at OPW Heritage Sites during Heritage Week. With over 100 events on offer, visit heritageireland.ie for the full schedule of events.
This offer is valid for National Heritage Week which runs from the 16th to 24th August 2025.
