Some of Limerick’s most intriguing and historic buildings will open their doors to the public free of charge during OpenHouse Limerick 2014. Details have been released about the the third annual initiative that will be running from the 3rd-5th October. The concept was first introduced in London in 1992 in order to showcase first-rate architecture to the general public. Limerick is a member organisation of the Open House Worldwide Family which also includes London, New York, Helsinki, Melbourne, Slovenia, Barcelona and Dublin.

Margaret McEvoy, the Chairperson of the Limerick OpenHouse Committee said “OpenHouse Limerick 2014 is the 3rd year hosting this annual architectural festival weekend, which is all about showcasing architectural excellence for the public to experience, completely free of charge.” She continued: “In this year of Limerick City of Culture, the people of Limerick have another opportunity to explore and engage with buildings of the city and county. A wide and diverse range of Limerick buildings both old and new, with more homes this year, will be open to the public.”

Some of the buildings opening their doors to the public include the 19th century railway station house at Patrickswell, the new Mortuary Extension at University Hospital Limerick, Ardnacrusha Power Station, Limerick Circuit Courthouse, the Quaker Meeting House at Punches Cross and Sarsfield Barracks which are amongst more than 30 buildings scheduled to be opened to visitors. The medieval Castlegarde building in Cappamore, the new academic block at Glenstal Abbey School, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Munster Council GAA Headquarters at Castletroy will also be opening to the public as part of this year’s initiative, which is hosted by the OpenHouse Limerick Committee.

As well as featuring tours of more than 30 buildings of all types and periods, OpenHouse Limerick 2014 will also include a bus tour, lectures, exhibitions, walking tours and children’s workshops. Architecture + Culture are the themes of OpenHouse Limerick 2014, tying in with Limerick City of Culture 2014. Stonehouse on O’Callaghan Strand which is a mid 19th century cottage that has been transformed into a 21st Century property with an integrated Japanese stone garden will also be open to the general public.

Paul Lynam is the owner of the property and he is excited to be involved. Mr. Lynam said: “At last the river is playing an important part in Limerick and buildings are increasingly facing the river. Stonehouse is a part of this trend. I was amazed at the size of the queues last year to visit Stonehouse and I am very happy to be partaking again in OpenHouse Limerick and to welcome people to see the 21st century conversion by Seamus Carr of this 1850s fisherman’s cottage.”

OpenHouse Limerick 2014 will be launched on Friday 3rd October at 5.30pm at the Dance Limerick Space in John’s Square with a performance by art collective Gothicise, a collaboration between Limerick School of Art & Design, LIT, Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in UL and independent artists. ‘Waking St. Munchin’ will bring the curse of St. Munchin to rest through cathartic rites of song music and performance.

Buildings opening their doors to the public on Saturday 4th October: Sarsfield Barracks (10am); King’s Island Military Cemetery (10–12am); Boher Inversion / Extension (10am–1pm); Colivet Court (11am–3pm); The Red Tech (12–3.00pm, last entry 2.30pm); Limerick Circuit Courthouse (tours at 1pm and 1.30pm); Mary Immaculate College (tour at 1pm); Deloitte & Touche House (1–3pm, last tour 2:30pm); Stonehouse (1–5pm, last tour at 4.30pm); Carr House, 20 Revington Park (1–5pm, last tour 4.30pm); Ard Scoil Rís (tours at 2pm and 2.45pm); The Carnegie Building (2–4pm, pre-book only through venue); 29 Wolfe Tone Street (2–5pm, last tour 4.30pm); Ashbourne Park (2–5pm, last tour 4.30pm); Lime Tree Theatre, MIC Tara (2pm); Limerick Sailors’ Home (2–5pm, last tour 4.30pm); 21 Lower Harstonge St. (2–5pm); Chamber of Commerce (2–5pm); St. Mary’s Cathedral (2–5pm, last tour 4.30pm); Mortuary Extension (2–5pm); Band Stand (3pm); IMPACT Regional Headquarters (tours at 3.00pm and 3.30pm) and Particles and Waves, Limerick Bows Talk (5.30pm).

Buildings opening their doors to the public on Sunday October 5th: Ardnacrusha Power Station (11am–1pm); Quaker (Society of Friends) Meeting House (12.30–4.30pm, last tour at 4pm); Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery (1pm & 3pm); Cappamore Library and Arts Studios (1–3pm, last entry 2.30pm); New Academic Block at Glenstal Abbey School (1–5pm, last entry 4.30pm); Plassey House, UL (1.30–4.30pm, last tour at 3.30pm); Graduate Entry Medical School, UL (2–5pm, last tour at 4.30pm); Quigley Residence, UL (2–5pm, last tour 4.30pm); Munster Council GAA HQ, Castletroy (2–5pm, last tour 4.30pm); Station House, Patrickswell (2–5pm, last tour 4.30pm); Abington Church, Murroe (2–5pm); and Castlegarde, Cappamore (2–5pm, last tour at 4.30pm).