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OPW Heritage Ireland is proud to mark International Week of Deaf People, taking place from 21 to 27 September 2026, by lighting some of Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites in blue in support of Deaf people, Irish Sign Language (ISL) and Deaf culture in Ireland.

On Wednesday, 23 September – International Day of Sign Languages – Casino Marino, Derrynane House, Kilkenny Castle, the Rock of Cashel and the Water Tower at Farmleigh Estate will light up blue, joining locations across Ireland and internationally in recognising the importance of Irish Sign Language.

Other locations that will light-up blue on the day include Collins Barracks; Department of Education, Marlborough St; The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Kildare St; the National Concert Hall; the National Museum; the National Library; the Phoenix Column; Phoenix Park and the Wolfe Tone Monument, St Stephen's Green.

The initiative has been organised in support of the campaign led by the Irish Deaf Society, which is encouraging communities and organisations to share images of participating landmarks illuminated in blue during International Week of Deaf People.

The illumination of these heritage sites builds on OPW’s ongoing work to make Ireland’s built heritage more accessible and inclusive for Deaf visitors.

Over recent years, OPW has developed a programme of Irish Sign Language-interpreted tours at heritage sites across the country, providing Deaf visitors with the opportunity to experience Ireland’s history and heritage through ISL, with tours led by experienced guides and supported by ISL interpreters.

More than 20 heritage sites have participated in the ISL tour programme this year, including Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Annes Grove Gardens, Ormond Castle, Scattery Island Monastic Site and Visitor Centre and Doneraile Estate.

The programme has also been supported by the creation of promotional videos in Irish Sign Language, produced by the OPW in partnership with the Irish Deaf Society. The videos provide Deaf audiences with direct access to information about the tours and help raise awareness of the accessible visitor experiences available at OPW heritage sites.

Speaking about the programme, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran T.D. , said:

“We are delighted to support International Week of Deaf People by lighting some of our heritage sites in blue and to continue our work to make Ireland’s heritage more accessible and inclusive. Our Irish Sign Language tours provide Deaf visitors with the opportunity to engage directly with our shared heritage, and we are committed to expanding accessible experiences at OPW heritage sites nationwide over the next year.”

Advocacy Manager with the Irish Deaf Society Elaine Grehan, said:

“Seeing landmarks and public buildings across Ireland light up blue sends a powerful and visible message of support for Deaf people, Irish Sign Language and Deaf culture. International Week of Deaf People is an opportunity to celebrate our language, our community and our human rights, and we are delighted to see the OPW and so many well known sites taking part this year. We hope people across Ireland will see the blue lights, learn more about Irish Sign Language and Deaf culture, and join us in recognising and celebrating the contribution and rights of Deaf people.”

For information on upcoming Irish Sign Language tours and visitor experiences, visitwww.heritageireland.ieorwww.irishdeafsociety.ie.

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please [email protected] more information and to arrange an interview.

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