On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025, Armagh Robinson Library, No 5 Vicars’ Hill and St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral will take part in the European Heritage Open Days 2025 (EHOD).
This annual event celebrates architecture, history and culture. Each year over 250 places in Northern Ireland open their doors and organise events. In County Armagh, twenty-five places will be open, including twelve in Armagh City. The theme for this year’s EHOD is Architectural Heritage – Past structures – Future Connections‘.
Architectural heritage isn’t just about the structures of the past—it’s about the people, stories, and connections they continue to inspire. Through ‘Past Structures, Future Connections,’ we celebrate how these spaces shape our communities and connect us across generations. – Historic Environment Division
Armagh Robinson Library will be open on Saturday 13 from 11.00am to 5.00pm and on Sunday 14 from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.
Armagh Robinson Library will have on display in the Library the 1770 original drawings of the Library building by the architect Thomas Cooley.
No 5 Vicars’ Hill will also be open on Saturday 13 from 11.00am to 5.00pm and on Sunday 14 from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.
The Library’s second building at No 5 Vicars’ Hill will be open as well, and, weather permitting its garden. The garden is filled with plants that help safeguard the planet, as well as with plants that were prominent in 18th century gardens. We plan to have some books about plants on display in the Library.
St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral will open its doors to EHOD visitors on Saturday 13 September from 10.00am to 5.00pm. It will be open for services on Sunday, but not for EHOD.
Staff and volunteers will welcome visitors to look at the architecture, to experience the sense of history over the centuries, and to learn about the generations of people of faith who have felt a special connection to this ancient sacred site and St Patrick.
It is always a joy to welcome people to the Hill of Armagh and to share with them the story of the people who have lived, worshipped and worked there over the centuries. Our ancient buildings, of spiritual and academic importance, are still relevant and very much in use today, thus providing wonderful connections with the past, present and the future, as they are introduced to a new generation of visitors.
The Very Revd Shane Forster, Keeper of Armagh Robinson Library and No 5, and the Dean of Armagh
For more information, please go to EHOD digital brochure 2025.