Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 3h

OPW approves €90,000 for a flood study at Gormanstown Road, Co. Meath under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme.
The study will assess causes of flooding & identify sustainable solutions.
This supersedes €45,000 approved in Feb 2025.
👉https://cutt.ly/sr2clOLB

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 6h

St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle is getting ready to welcome Ireland’s 10th President this November!
Go behind the scenes as chandeliers, some with over 500 pieces of crystal, are carefully lowered, cleaned, polished, & winched back into place. This painstaking process takes 2 weeks to complete!

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 2d

The OPW has now approved €18,000 for minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection. This funding is for proposed installation of 300mm drainage pipe and gullies to alleviate pluvial flooding at Garrynafela, Athlone, Co Westmeath.

For full press release see ➡️https://cutt.ly/Zr0ZaNqF

Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 2d

The OPW has now approved €18,000 for minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection. This funding is for proposed installation of 300mm drainage pipe and gullies to alleviate pluvial flooding at Garrynafela, Athlone, Co Westmeath.

For full press release see ➡️

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 4d

Step inside Dublin’s architecture

From 11–19 October, participating OPW sites in Dublin will open their doors as part of #OpenHouseDublin 2025, a free festival celebrating design, heritage and the people who build our city.
Find out more at openhousedublin.com

#IrishArchitecture #BuiltHeritage

Grand neoclassical building with a blue-green dome, reflected in a calm river. Text: "Irish Architecture Foundation," "Festival of Architecture," "Open House Dublin 11-19 October."

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 5d

Planning a visit to one of our OPW Heritage sites over the next few days? With the current weather forecast, opening and closing times may vary due to onsite conditions. To avoid disappointment, please check directly with the site before you travel.

withmet.ie

Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 5d

OPW's research journal seeks abstracts for upcoming volumes, focusing on historic properties and collections.

Check out Volume 1: https://gandoneditions.com/products/opw

More info: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/irish-heritage-studies/

#OPWJournal #HeritageStudies

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 9d

The OPW, with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, is carrying out Universal Access upgrades at Leinster House’s North Road entrance.

Learn More: www.gov.ie/en/office-of...

Works continue until end 2025.
#Accessibility #LeinsterHouse #OPW

A grand neoclassical building, Leinster House, with a large dome crowned by a clock tower. The facade features four tall columns supporting a triangular pediment and intricate sculptures. Two flags, one Irish and another European, are displayed atop the structure. The building's grey and white stonework is highlighted under a clear blue sky.

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 9d

Behind every stone is a story.

Meet the OPW stonemasons & apprentices working in Kilkenny & Trim — their craft, their journey, their pride.

Full video via Irish Times.
▶️ www.irishtimes.com/video/video/...

#Craft #Heritage #OPW #Stonemasonry #apprenticeships

A morning with OPW Stonemasons and Apprentices in Kilkenny and Trim

OPW workers in Kilkenny and Trim tell us about their work, how they got started and what it means to them. Video: Dan Dennison & Chris Maddaloni

www.irishtimes.com

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 11d

Exciting news!
Biird is headlining the Midnight Matinee Concert at Dublin Castle for the New Year’s Festival Dublin! They join Inhaler, performing at the Countdown Concert on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy Irish culture, live music, and family fun from 30 Dec to 1 Jan!
More info: nyfdublin.com

Concert poster for NYF Dublin's New Year's Festival. Headliner: Inhale. Special guests: Biird, Florence Road, DJ Shelly Gray. Date: New Year's Eve, 8:00 PM at Dublin Castle. Background: Northern lights effect with blue and green hues. Circular graphic stating, "The only place to be." Website: nyfdublin.com.

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 13d

Heritage Guide Recruitment Alert!

Join us as a guide at OPW heritage sites across Ireland. Showcase our rich history, from ancient tombs to stunning gardens. Contracts range 3-9 months.

Apply here ➡️ https://cutt.ly/GuideRecruitment
Deadline: 5.00pm, 16 Oct 2025

Two women stand in an ornate room with gold decorations and a large throne. One, wearing a light coat, holds a booklet, and the other, in a dark jacket, gestures while speaking. The room features a mirrored fireplace, decorative paintings, and a polished table.

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 13d

The NFL has arrived in Dublin!
Enjoy a 3-day festival at Dublin Castle with field goal challenges, flag football, and a shot at winning Superbowl LX tickets! Don't miss it!

#NFL #Dublin

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 15d

Join the fourth annual Heritage Ireland 2030 Summit to celebrate and discuss heritage under the theme 'Connecting Heritage and Youth'. It all happens at Trinity College on Wednesday October 29th. Tickets available free via https://bit.ly/4mig7Gq

#HeritageIreland2030 #CMF2025

A child performs a cartwheel on a grassy field in front of a large, stone castle under a partly cloudy sky. On the left, there's a green banner promoting the "Heritage Ireland 2030 Summit 2025" with event details and a note about free tickets.

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 20d

That's a wrap for the National Ploughing Championships for 2025!
A massive thank you to everyone who visited our stand, it is you who made it all so special ❤

#OPWPloughing

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 20d

Minister Kevin “Boxer” Moran is pleased to confirm funding of €49,899 has been approved for Minor Flood Mitigation & Coastal Protection works in Rathcormac, Cork.
Works include clearing silt, debris & vegetation from the attenuation area of the Kilbrien stream.
👉 https://cutt.ly/arV8V72j

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Reposted by Office of Public Works

Irish Architecture Foundation @irisharchitecturef.bsky.social · 22d

#OpenHouseDublin 2025 is supported by @artscouncilireland.bsky.social @nbhsireland.bsky.social @opwireland.bsky.social @dubcitycouncil.bsky.social @dlrcc.bsky.social @fingal.ie @dublinport.bsky.social @grangegormandev.bsky.social @kpmgireland.bsky.social @williamfrylaw.bsky.social & others off bsky

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 21d

The Carrowmore Visitor Centre in Co. Sligo is now open!
Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran visited to mark the reopening.
Explore one of Europe's key prehistoric sites until 3 Dec 2025.
Learn more: https://cutt.ly/orVVd4Cg
Plan your visit: heritageireland.ie

#Carrowmore #Sligo #HeritageIreland #OPW

A person gestures towards a large screen displaying "Explore Carrowmore" over an image of large stone formations in a grassy landscape. Beneath are buttons with options like "Timeline," "Tradition & Art," and "Accessible Tour." Another person stands partially visible on the right.

Three people are engaged in conversation indoors, in front of an exhibit titled "Carrowmore in Context." The man on the right is gesturing with his hand and wearing a dark suit with a red and blue striped tie. The woman on the left is wearing a black jacket with a green ribbon and badge. The man in the middle is observing, wearing a dark blazer and light shirt. Informational panels about archaeology and history are visible in the background.

A framed display features a realistic reconstruction of a young girl's face created from genetic research. Below her image, text in both Irish and English reads, "What we know about the people of Carrowmore." Additional information is provided about the historical significance and discovery of Carrowmore.

A group of six people are engaged in conversation in a museum or exhibition space. The background displays text about Carrowmore in both Irish and English, with images of landscapes. The group includes men and women, wearing business or casual attire, appearing attentive and engaged. One person is gesturing with his hand while speaking.

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 23d

Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran is meeting with Sligo County Council, local Ministers, and local elected representatives to discuss flood and coastal erosion related issues for Sligo this morning.

#Sligo #FloodRelief #CoastalErosion #OPW

Five people are posing in a bright, modern lobby. Three men are wearing suits and ties, one with a ceremonial chain. A woman in a blazer stands near the center. The background features large windows with a view of greenery outside.

Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 24d

On 19 September, explore OPW Heritage Sites after hours for Culture Night! Enjoy special events and creative celebrations across Ireland for free.
Plan your night: https://cutt.ly/CultureNight
#CultureNight #OícheChultúir #OPWHeritage #IrishCulture
@culturenightdub.bsky.social

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 27d

We are delighted to announce that 2 of our sites are finalists for the 7th Irish Hospitality Awards 2025 in the tourist attraction of the year category. Congratulations to Brú na Bóinne - Newgrange and Knowth and Kilkenny Castle!

#IrishHospitalityAwards #Finalists

A large ancient mound with a grass-covered top and stone façade under a dramatic sky with dark and white clouds. Several people stand on a grassy field near large stones in the foreground, gazing at the structure.

A majestic stone castle with round towers stands against a dramatic cloudy sky. In the foreground, a manicured garden with vibrant flowers and a path leading to the entrance enhances the scene.

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 29d

Minister Kevin “Boxer” Moran and OPW Chair John Conlon visited @nlireland.bsky.social today to view plans for its Capital Development Project. Delivered by the OPW, this ambitious redevelopment will modernise facilities, preserve heritage & enhance visitor access. Thanks to NLI for the invite.

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 29d

We’re packing up our Wellies, VR goggles, biodiversity boxes, Lego models, and more. Are you ready?
Find us at #Ploughing2025!

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · Sep 8

Join the OPW at the National Ploughing Championships from 16–18 September in Screggan, Tullamore (Culture Tent, Block 3 Row 14 Stand 274).
Discover VR heritage tours, flood science, biodiversity workshops, and career advice—all for the whole family. Learn more: https://cutt.ly/srXQqjZP

Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · Sep 8

The OPW is delighted to announce the ‘Artistic Islands’ exhibition at Dublin Castle, from 29 Sept 2025 to 22 March 2026. The exhibition highlights Ireland's creative legacy, from the Blasket Islands to the Caribbean's Leeward Islands.

For full press release see: 👉 https://cutt.ly/7rXmPxmm

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Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · Sep 7

Online applications are open for the Newgrange Winter Solstice Lottery.
Winners will experience the rare moment when sunlight floods the chamber at dawn.

Free entry | Limited spaces | Apply now: solsticelottery.ie

#Newgrange #WinterSolstice #HeritageIreland

A dimly lit tunnel with a rocky floor leads to a bright, starburst light source at the end, illuminating the path with a warm glow and casting shadows on the rock walls inside Newgrange.

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