Up to 170 buildings across Northern Ireland will open free of charge during this popular venture, which last year attracted 32,000 visitors.

    Once again, this Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8, people across the province are being encouraged to avail of this special opportunity to see their rich heritage in architecture.

    Nineteen properties across the county are set to open at specified times over the weekend. They include: Mullylusty Cottage, Belcoo (this Saturday and Sunday, between 9a.m. and 6p.m.); Rose Cottage, Carrickaleece, Derrylin (this Saturday and Sunday, 11a.m. to 4p.m.); Heather Lodge, Belmore Estate, Enniskillen (Saturday, 10a.m. to 4p.m.); St. Joseph's Parish Church, Mullaghdun, near Belcoo (this Sunday afternoon, 2p.m. to 6p.m.); St. Patrick's Parish Church, Holywell, near Belcoo (this Sunday, 2p.m. to 6p.m.); Station House, Belcoo (Saturday, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Sunday, 3p.m. to 6p.m.); Mullaghdun Parish Church, Mullaghdun (Sunday, 2p.m. to 6p.m.); Colebrooke Park, Brookeborough (this Saturday afternoon, 1p.m. to 5p.m.); Tully Castle, Church Hill, near Derrygonnelly (Saturday and Sunday, 10a.m. to 6p.m.); The Intec Centre, East Bridge Street, Enniskillen (Saturday afternoon, 12noon to 5.30p.m.); Curry's Cottage, Corry, Derrylin (this Saturday and Sunday, 10a.m. to 10p.m.); Holy Trinity Church, Crom, Derrylin (Sunday afternoon, 1p.m. to 6p.m.); Town Hall, Townhall Street, Enniskillen (Saturday, 1p.m. to 5.30p.m.); St. Macartin's Cathedral, Church Street, Enniskillen (Saturday, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Sunday, 2p.m. to 5p.m.); Enniskillen Castle (Saturday and Sunday, 2p.m. to 5p.m.); St. Naile's Church, Kinawley (Saturday and Sunday, 9a.m. to 9p.m.); Castle Balfour, Lisnaskea (Saturday, 10a.m. to 6p.m., Sunday, 6a.m. to 6p.m.); The Priory Church, Killadeas (Saturday and Sunday, 2p.m. to 4p.m.); and Belle Isle Estate coach house and courtyard, Lisbellaw (Sunday, 11a.m. to 4p.m.) St. Macartan's Cathedral in Clogher, one of a number of buildings due to participate in Co. Tyrone, will open this Saturday, from 10a.m. to 1p.m. and this Sunday, from 2p.m. to 5.30p.m.

    At the recent launch of the two European Heritage Open Days, the Minister of the Environment, Dermot Nesbitt indicated that the event has been described as one of the most worthwhile weekend activities of the year.

    "Over the weekend we have the opportunity in an enjoyable way to experience Northern Ireland's diverse architecture," commented Mr. Nesbitt, who pointed out that "there will be guidance from the real experts - the people who live in, work in and look after our buildings."

    "I call on Northern Ireland people to take this opportunity to explore and enjoy our local heritage by visiting an intriguing selection of historic gems and contemporary design classics," continued Mr. Nesbitt, who noted: "This is our biggest annual celebration of architecture. I strongly suggest that people discover the heritage that exists on our doorstep and become a tourist for a day - and most importantly have an enjoyable weekend."

    A spokesman for the event believes that this wide and interesting array of private houses, public buildings, gardens, churches, ancient monuments and ancestral piles offer a view of the whole spectrum of some of Northern Ireland's most outstanding architecture. In addition, there will be guided walks in historic towns and villages.

    "This celebration of both historic and modern buildings allows the visitor into buildings the public wouldn't normally have access to. The intention is to increase the sense of understanding of the importance of Northern Ireland's architecture," said the spokesman. Sign language interpreters will be available for the first time at two sites - Parliament Buildings Stormont and on the Old Belfast Town Walk.