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European Heritage Open Day at Belfast Stories

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Date: 23 Aug 2023

Category: Belfast Stories


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European Heritage Open Day (EHOD) will return on 9 and 10 September 2023 and for the first time Belfast Stories at the former Bank of Ireland is taking part.

EHOD is an annual event celebrating local architecture, history and culture, which takes place across Europe on the second weekend in September.

Guided tours of the former Bank of Ireland building on the corner of North Street and Royal Avenue, will be taking place throughout the weekend. There is an evening of poetry and music on Sunday 10 September. Numbers are limited and advance booking is required for all activities.  

Guided Tours - booking essential.

  • 11am, 1pm and 3pm on Saturday 9 September 2023
  • 1pm and 3pm on Sunday 10 September 2023

Join conservation architect Graeme Moore on a guided tour of the Bank of Ireland building on the corner of North Street and Royal Avenue. The tour will share the architectural history of this art deco gem. Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes. Please meet at the front door. Limited to 15 people per tour. Booking essential.

A Recorded Audience with Belfast Stories and Guests - booking essential.

  • 6.30pm, Sunday 10 September 2023

Join Belfast Stories for a carefully curated celebration of the past, present and future of the Bank of Ireland building. You will be treated to a special musical performance by Arborist, and poetry by Maria McManus. The event will be recorded by Joe Laverty of The Whisper Project.The event will last approximately 1 hour. Limited to 50 people. Booking essential.

You can book your place by emailing BelfastStories@BelfastCity.gov.uk.

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The Grade B+ listed Bank of Ireland building was completed in 1931 and is one of the best surviving examples of the Art Deco style in Belfast. Designed by architect Joseph Vincent Downes (born Dublin 1891) it was known as ‘the white bank’ and operated until 2005 when it closed its door.

We’d love to see your snaps of the building so please tag #BelfastStories when you are sharing on social media.

European Heritage Open Day (EHOD) is run by the Department for Communities with the support of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. Further information can be found at European Heritage Open Days | Department for Communities (communities-ni.gov.uk).

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