The IAF is delighted to announce that Bank of Ireland will be partnering with Open House Dublin to create a new event, Inspiration, that will take place on Wednesday 10th October. This will be a must-attend event for anyone planning to buy, build or redesign their own home.

Inspiration will bring together a range of experts who will provide advice and share tips on all aspects of making a dream home a reality. Bank of Ireland’s support and the Inspiration event will enable the IAF to extend the appeal of Open House to new audiences this year.

Bank of Ireland’s Head of Mortgages, Shane Quinlan, said, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Open House Dublin to raise awareness of the importance of architecture. As the largest lender to the Irish economy we are committed to supporting both house builders and home buyers and this initiative is a great opportunity to inspire people to create their dream homes.”

Booking will open for this event on Thursday 6th September via the Open House Dublin website: www.openhousedublin.com.

Bank of Ireland will also be opening its College Green building to the public for Open House Dublin 2018. Constructed for the Irish Parliament between 1728 and 1733, Bank of Ireland College Green is one of the city’s most prominent buildings.

Now in its thirteenth year, Open House Dublin has become a vital means of broadening and deepening public engagement with architecture and the built environment. The number of visits to building tours and events during the three days of the festival has increased every year, rising to 32,847 in 2017. A visitor survey last year revealed that 85% of those surveyed felt that Open House Dublin had given them a better knowledge of their city, while only one third said that they had a professional interest in architecture, demonstrating Open House Dublin’s broad appeal.

Aisling Hassell, Ireland Site Lead and Global Head of Community Support Operations at Airbnb, said, “Airbnb is delighted to partner with the IAF to support Open House Dublin for the third consecutive year, celebrating the homes and buildings that make up communities across the city. Airbnb is committed to helping make cities stronger socially, economically, and environmentally and we are delighted to be participating in the programme again this year, opening our Dublin headquarters to the public and also making three Experiences on Airbnb available as part of Open House Plus.”

This year’s programme includes the Courtyard House, a home designed by renowned Irish architect Tom dePaor and Merrion Mews, a beautifully restored coach house and stables restored by the Irish Landmark Trust, both of which are listed on Airbnb. Due to popular demand, three ‘tasters’ of Airbnb’s Experiences return to the Open House Dublin programme – The Irish Food Trail (a food walk), Dublin Street Art (a street art walk of SoGo) and From the Hip (a street photography class with Des, founder of the Irish Street Photography group). Airbnb will also open up their popular international hub at Hanover Quay, beautifully restored and renovated by fit-out heneghan peng architects  and landlord architects RKD architects, which was visited by over 2,000 people in last year’s festival.

Speaking about this year’s record number of events and supporters, Nathalie Weadick, Director of the IAF, said, “To make this free festival happen, the IAF depends upon the actions, financial contribution and in-kind support of multiple agencies and organisations: not to mention over 350 volunteers and guides. This coming together of civic investment, state support, business partnerships and individual involvement is what enables us to present this wonderful event each year.”

Open House Dublin 2018 is again collaborating with Peter McVerry Trust by offering all proceeds of the Open House “Text to Donate” button to their cause. To donate, text OHD to 50300. Text costs €4.
Peter McVerry Trust will receive a minimum of €3.60. Service Provider: LikeCharity. Helpline: 076 6805278.

The Irish Architecture Foundation is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Office of Public Works.