Visitor numbers at local OPW heritage sites reflect positive upturn across the country
THE Office of Public Works (OPW) announced that 2023 was another successful year for visitor numbers at its heritage sites, which includes two in Sligo.
The number of recorded visitors last year exceeded 15.3 million, up from 15 million in 2022.
The Office of Public Works is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating 780 important heritage sites.
The Office of Public Works conserves and protects the nation's built heritage in its care whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with the Ireland's heritage.
The Office of Public Works strives to manage heritage sites in a manner that balances its remit to protect heritage assets with increased, more interactive, empowering and inclusive access for visitors.
The 2023 data highlights a continued trend in number of visitors to Historic Castles, Gardens and Monuments across the country. The numbers show the top heritage locations in each of two categories: Paid Visitor attractions and Free Access Sites. Iconic Irish heritage sites such as Kilmainham Gaol, The Rock of Cashel and Glendalough continue to play a pivotal role for both domestic and international tourism. The major parks, such as the Phoenix Park, St. Stephen's Green and parklands around Doneraile Court have remained top of the list, continuing the trend of visitors utilising these recreational spaces.
Numbers were positive at their two Sligo locations - Sligo Abbey and Parkes'Castle.
Sligo Abbey had 39,145 visitors an increase of almost 12,000 in 2022, their first year in operation after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Parke's Castle had 17,281 visitors, an increase of almost 3,000 visitors from the previous year.
Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick O'Donovan, TD, said: “The 780 sites under the care of the Office of Public Works contribute to the local sense of place, the local economy and are great places for domestic and international tourists to enjoy.
“The 2023 visitor data clearly indicates that there is a strong interest in heritage tourism and that an increasing number of visitors regard Ireland's heritage sites as great places to visit.”