Over 300 buildings across Northern Ireland, including Holy Hill House in Strabane and Hillsborough Castle, will be opening their doors to the public for free on 8 and 9 September as part of the European Heritage Open Days (EHOD).

Organised by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency the weekend is a celebration of our built heritage.  It is your chance to get out and discover our rich and diverse architecture and heritage.

EHOD takes place every September in 49 countries across Europe.  Last year over 58,000 people in Northern Ireland visited properties during the weekend, many of which are closed to the public throughout the rest of the year.

The aim of the weekend is to encourage buildings which are not normally accessible to the public to open their doors and share their secrets.

The theme for 2012 is Maritime History and the Titanic and there are new and exciting additions to the programme including St. John’s Lighthouse and a walking tour of Comber where Thomas Andrews, Titanic’s designer lived.

This year a number of buildings are opening their doors to the public for the first time along with old favourites such as Ballywalter Park and Stormont Castle ready to welcome visitors again.

Once again all sorts of buildings are opening their doors from cottages to castles and private homes to Parliament Buildings.

Information on all of the properties opening their doors is available at www.discovernorthernireland.com/ehod  or you can keep up to date with NIEA’s ehodni Facebook page or follow ehodni on Twitter.

Sentry Hill is open Saturday 8th September 11am – 5pm Tours begin at 11am.
Sunday 9th 2pm – 5pm Tours begin at 2pm.
Last tour each day at 3.45pm
Spaces are limited.
For more details and charges contact Sentry Hill on 028 90832363

Museum at The Mill is open Saturday 8th 11am – 4pm
Family activity day - A variety of seasonal activities will be on offer around the Mill site.
For more information contact the museum on 028 9034 0129