This year's listings have recently been released. Check them out here if you haven't already seen them. There's quite a lot to be excited about! The list is divided into six categories which cover buildings used for commercial, cultural, educational, public, community and even residential use.
One of the residential buildings taking part in Open House! This image if from the Open House website
There are a number of things that have already stood out to me, first is the Old Terminal in Dublin Airport, I can remember waving my grandparents off on holidays in this terminal years ago, I'd love to have a closer look at it.
Old Terminal at Dublin Airport. This image is from the Open House website
Maybe I've read too many Dan Brown books but I'm intrigued about The Freemason Hall on Molesworth Street. I wonder are there any secret passages or hidden cellars? It's definitely one for the list!
Freemason Hall. This image is from the Open House website
Another building that stands out for me is the Blessington Street Basin Gate Keepers Lodge. It looks like such a cute little cottage. To be honest I've never even noticed it before so I'd like to learn more about it. It's interesting that it's been lived in by park rangers until very recently.
Gate Keepers Lodge at Blessington Basin. This image is from the Open House website
Finally two very austere buildings have caught my eye. The Irish Stock Exchange and The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The latter because its one of only a few buildings we have from this era and also as I want to see if its stark exterior is matched on the inside. The main reason I want to see the stock exchange is nosiness. I want to see where all the wheeling and dealing takes place!
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. This image is from the Open House website
Last year one of my favorite buildings was Liberty Hall. I made a point of visiting it as I thought it would be demolished by the time Open House 2013 rolled around. Well it's still here but I don't see it in the list for this year. I wonder could it be one of the three mystery buildings? We'll have to wait and see!
The view from Liberty Hall during Open House 2012. There are more images in my blog post
There are over 100 buildings taking part in Open House so if the ones I've listed above don't tickle your fancy then you're bound to find one that does! One of the best things about Open House is the price. Entrance to all the venues, as well as the guided tours, is absolutely free. IAF are asking anyone who can afford it to donate a paltry €3 to help them cover their costs. It's really a small price to pay for a fantastic event.
It was a beautiful weekend in the city for Open House 2012, I hope this years event is just as lovely!