The Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed that all children under the age of 12 will be allowed free admission to visit all heritage sites in Ireland.

Sinn Féin spokesperson Heritage Peadar Tóibín TD welcomed the announcement and said there are "multiple benefits for children to visit such places".

He said: "I commend the timing of this initiative as well. Just prior to the primary school summer recess, children will now be able to sample the myriad of excellent historical sites dotted throughout the country.

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"Newgrange, a UNESCO heritage site, is an example of an optimal place to bring children, with a massive interpretive centre with child-friendly options.

"While the sites themselves are usually enough to whet the appetites of curious children and families, there is often also excellent interpretative guides, maps, historical explainers and of course experienced staff to guide visitors on their journey."

(CD/MH)