I search the forum, but there are not any current answers to this question. We are traveling mid June and I was wondering if anyone has used the Heritage Card? Also, did you purchase it before arriving in Ireland? Thanks for any info you can share.
Posted by
NY State
72 posts
We have never bought one. Look at the list of sites in the areas you will be visiting and add up the cost of the ones you would like to see, then compare to the cost of the card. Some of the heritage sites have no entry fee. For instance, Killarney National Park is free, but there is a fee to visit Muckross House within the park.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
How long do you plan to be in the country?
Posted by
Utah
455 posts
We were in Ireland for 15 days in 2015 and used the card extensively. We purchased them at Glendalough our first day. The OPW site is a valuable planning tool as well. It's organized by region with a synopsis of each sight including visitor info, average time a visit takes, hours, price, etc. You can look at the places you want to visit and decide if it's cost effective for you.
http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/
Posted by
OP
Charleston, SC, usa
56 posts
We will be there for two full weeks. We start in Shannon and are traveling the southern portion ending in Dublin for a couple of days.
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
933 posts
I used it extensively, but you should first check the list of sites you will be near to see if you will use it enough to make it worth buying. I did purchase it before arrival.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Hard to say whether it would be cost-effective for a 2 week trip. As has been mentioned, check their website to preview the various attractions included on the card and their normal entry fees, and then determine whether it's really a good fit for you. It's been a few years since we used it but I don't recall that you get head of the line privileges with the card - it's just admission, so it may well be better for you to just pay as you go.
Posted by
Fairfax, Virginia
348 posts
As others have already said, check the sites you plan to visit and their fees, and see if it is cost effective. I think you might also get some special consideration with the card, it's been 5 years but I seem to remember that walk ups to Kilmainham Gaol were being turned away and to told to return later, but we got in with the card. Also, if you are also visiting the UK, English Heritage membership is honored in Ireland the same as Irish Heritage membership, so that could make for a cost-effective option. We bought ours before leaving, but you can purchase at any of their sites as well.