Publications
This is the Architecture publications section. Here you can find all publications, reports and presentations for this heritage area of interest.
International Museums Day
Date: 18th May
Location: Museums, worldwide
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) established International Museum Day in 1977 to increase public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society. Momentum has been rising unabated ever since. In 2012, International Museum Day garnered record-breaking participation with almost 32,000 museums hosting events in more than 129 countries. The worldwide community of museums will celebrate the next International Museum Day on 18 May, 2013.
The theme: Museums (memory + creativity) = social changeThe museum community decided to celebrate IMD 2013 around the theme Museums (Memory + Creativity) = Social Change.
Our rich heritage, which museums both display and protect, is associated with inventiveness and vitality, both of which have characterized the museum sector in recent years and are museums’ greatest strengths.
ICOM General Director, Julien Anfruns adds: “Reconciling their traditional mission of preservation with cultivation of the creativity necessary for renewal and visitor growth is the evolution that museums are striving for, with the firm conviction that their presence and their actions can change society in a constructive manner.”
This truly optimistic theme in the form of an equation dynamically gathers several concepts that are essential to defining what a museum is today, highlighting the universal nature of those institutions and their positive influence on society. It summarises the complexity of museum tasks and recalls that they are meant to contribute to community development and gathering together.
Practical information
For more information on International Museum Day, please visit the event’s website: http://imd.icom.museum
Here you can find an ever-growing list of the activities being organised around the world by participating museums.
IMD is also on Facebook! Please join us on this trilingual page and share your ideas and photos.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny launches Beara-Breifne Way Heritage Stamps and Walking Passport
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. has launched the Beara-Breifne Way Heritage Stamps and Walking Passport for the longest walking trail in Ireland. Involving over sixty community groups from the Beara Peninsula in Co. Cork to Blacklion in Co. Cavan, the Beara-Breifne Way project is the largest community based project undertaken in the country, involving twelve local walking trails in ten counties and four provinces. The route links counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan.
Dowload the full Press Release here Pdf
For more information clink on www.bbgreenway.com
News in Ireland 100 Year Ago
What was in the news 100 years ago? The Century Ireland project is an online historical newspaper that tells the story of the events of Irish life a century ago. It's published on a fortnightly basis, beginning in May 2013, and is the main online portal for the Irish decade of commemorations, 1912-23.
Century Ireland is produced by a team of researchers at Boston College Ireland and the project is funded by the Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
http://www.rte.ie/centuryireland/
Down Survey of Ireland Website Launched
Undertaken in the years 1656-1658 by the Cromwellian regime, the Down Survey of Ireland is the first ever detailed land survey on a national scale anywhere in the world! The survey sought to measure all the land to be forfeited by the Catholic Irish in order to facilitate its redistribution to Merchant Adventurers and English soldiers. Copies of these maps have survived in dozens of libraries and archives throughout Ireland and Britain, as well as in the National Library of France.
The Down Survey of Ireland Project has brought together for the first time in over 300 years all the surviving maps, digitised them and made them available as a public online resource. http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/
Watch the video on Youtube
New Heritage Plan for County Monaghan
A new Heritage Plan for County Monaghan by Monaghan County Council was launched recently by Conor Newman, Heritage Council Chairman and Monaghan Mayor Cllr. Hugh McElvaney.
Download your copy from:
Submissions sought for new Inland Fisheries Act
The Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Fergus O’Dowd, T.D. invites members of the public and interested parties to send written submissions for consideration by the Department in preparing a new Inland Fisheries Act.
The new Act will consolidate, update and amend existing legislation which governs the conservation, protection, management and development of the inland fisheries and sea angling resources. http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Public-Consultation/public-consultation-on-inland-fisheries-legislation.html
Ogham Stones in 3D
Ogham stones are among Ireland's most remarkable national treasures. These perpendicular cut stones bear inscriptions in the uniquely Irish Ogham alphabet, using a system of notches and horizontal or diagonal lines/scores to represent the sounds of an early form of the Irish language. The stones are inscribed with the names of prominent people and sometimes tribal affiliation or geographical areas. These inscriptions constitute the earliest recorded form of Irish and, as our earliest written records dating back at least as far as the 5th century AD!
A new website containing a database of 3D images of Ogham stones from all around Ireland has recently been launched. The Ogham 3D Project, by the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies (in collaboration with the Discovery Programme) has used laser scanning equipment to capture and digitise more than 50 Ogham stones across the country. The images, along with maps, background and other information about each of the stones have been placed on a free website, http://ogham.celt.dias.ie/menu.php?lang=en&menuitem=00
Symposium: Engaging your Visitors through Play
Date: 30th May,
Location: Belfast
How to engage your visitors through play? How to use games and play in your museum to create a meaningful visitor experience.
For further details see http://www.arts.ulster.ac.uk/mcgplay/
School of Irish Archaeology Summer Camps
Location: Harolds Cross National School
Dates: Week 1 - 15 - 19 July, Week 2 - 22 - 26 July
Price: €99 per child
Times: 9am-3pm Monday to Friday
Activities include:
Archaeology Excursions
Historical Shoe Making
Neolithic Pottery Making
Bow & Arrow Making
Archaeology Excavation - The Big Dig
Archaeological Olympics
Viking House Reconstruction
Day at the Museum
Day of Weaponry and Activties
Historical Treasure Hunts
Archery
Fun and Games
and much much more...
To book a place and ensure you don't miss out contact us now! Brochures will be out shortly. Any further info, please feel free to contact us at info@sia.ie or Tel: +353 877556808.
Piety, politics and prelates
Location: Waterford Museum of Treasures
Date: 14-16th June
Cost: €30
Waterford Museum of Treasures is organising a major conference in Waterford to mark the 650th anniversary of the unification of the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore.
The conference will be held on the weekend of the 14th – 16th June the date when in 1363 the unification was formally announced.
Entitled Piety, politics and prelates: a conference celebrating the 650th anniversary of the unification of the dioceses of Waterford and Lismore, the keynote address, The Lismore Crosier: art and politics in medieval Waterford will be delivered by Raghnall Ó Floinn, Head of Collections, National Museum of Ireland.
Online Event Registration- Now open for Heritage Week
In the year of The Gathering, people are today being encouraged by the Heritage Council to get involved in National Heritage Week 2013 by organising an event in their community and showcase their local natural and cultural heritage. National Heritage Week 2013 takes place nationwide from 17th – 25th August. Online registration is now open and all events must be registered by the 31st of May for inclusion in the National Heritage Week Event Guide.
Each year events range from medieval fairs, night-time bat walks, wildlife walks and lectures, classical music and poetry recitals, traditional music sessions, storytelling, historical re-enactments, and local history walks and talks. The week focuses on getting people involved in the heritage of Ireland and particularly the heritage of the local community, making it accessible to everyone. Many events organised are free of charge and National Heritage sites also offer concession rates during the week itself.
Speaking about the week, Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education at the Heritage Council said, “Every year people’s involvement in National Heritage Week continues to grow. The week is a great platform for people to highlight their heritage assets and to promote what makes their place so unique. We have some great plans underway for the week and will be posting more information on Facebook and heritageweek.ie in the weeks ahead, so stay in touch. The theme for the week is ‘Discover the Past. Build the Future’ because we believe that heritage is about today, about our quality of life and about the things we value. We rely on people across the country who organize events for the week to come up with creative ideas to tell their story and encourage people to get involved in something unique and fun.
To support Event Organisers, this year we are running a free Heritage Week Event Organiser Training Day in Tullamore on 24th May to provide organisers with hints and tips around event management, marketing and communications, social media, Historic properties and Section 482 properties”.
To register your event log on to www.heritageweek.ie . All events registered by 31st May 2013 will be listed in the National Heritage Week Event Guide which will be available free at OPW Sites, Heritage Centres & Historical Societies, Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, Libraries, CNCI Members, NPWS Sites, Heritage Officers and County Councils, An Óige Hostels, Various Individual Museums (MSPI Participants), Bus Eireann Stations and some Hotels across the country.
To attend the Heritage Council’s FREE Heritage Week Event Organiser Training Day on Friday 24th May log on to www.heritageweek.ie or call 1850 200 878. (Registration required as places limited).
Heritage Week is co-ordinated by The Heritage Council with support from Fáilte Ireland and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.
Space and Settlement in the Middle Ages
Date: 24th & 25th May
Location: Trinity Long Room Hub Building, Trinity College Dublin
Cost: €20 (€10 for students) Pay on the door
Keynote speaker: Christopher Dyer, University of Leicester
'New work on the English nucleated village'
Trace your Wicklow Roots
Date: 16th May @ 2:30pm
Location: Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow
Cost: Free
Trace Your Wicklow Roots
Would you like to trace your roots? Powerscourt is celebrating ‘The Gathering’ with a special genealogy talk from Nicola Morris, presenter on RTÉ’s ‘The Genealogy Roadshow.’ Come along to find out how to trace your Wicklow ancestors and learn a little bit about the history of the youngest county in Ireland, a wild and untamed land that loomed over the second city of the British Empire. Find out about the marauding O’Tooles, the Wicklow gold rush, the last stand of Michael O’Dwyer in 1798 and the first inter-county GAA match. Nicola will offer a useful guide to genealogical sources for the county, interspersed with stories of the labourers, miners, English settlers and the landed gentry of Wicklow. This event is complimentary and takes place at Powerscourt House on the 16th of May at 2.30pm. No booking is required. See www.powerscourt.ie/events
About Nicola Morris: Genealogist Nicola Morris draws on a rich family history that can be traced back to the court of Henry VIII and the breweries of Lancashire to Cork city publicans and a mysterious Italian great great grandmother. She works very closely with the production company for the BBC programme ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ and the US version of the show. Nicola has appeared on screen with Rosie O'Donnell, Jeremy Irons, Graham Norton and Chris Moyles and, most recently, was one of the presenters of the first series of ‘The Genealogy Roadshow’ for RTE.
Contact Details: W: www.powerscourt.ie/events T: (01) 2046000
Call for papers by Irish Museums Association
The Irish Museums Association (IMA) are seeking papers in the Education & Outreach area for their Education & Outreach Forum which takes place in July.
Irish Museums Association (IMA) Forums are opportunities to share experience of working in museums with colleagues from across the Irish museums sector. The longest established Forum has a focus on Education and Outreach. It is held in early July each year and is a mix of short papers by members, an invited speaker or group on a particular topic, and plenty of opportunity for discussion and networking.
The forum will be based on short papers with presentations limited to 15 minutes. If you wish to offer a papersend us your submission by Monday 20 May 2013. Include a title; your full name, job title and institution (if applicable) ; email address and telephone number; biography (150 words max) and an abstract (200 words max).
Click here to email your submission to Gina O'Kelly, IMA Administrator
Venue: Dublin - details to follow
Date: Friday 12 July 2013
3 Part TV Series on RTE- Secrets of the Irish Landscape
Starts Sunday 5th May @ 6:30pm
For this major new three part television series and Derek Mooney will follow in the footsteps of one of Ireland’s greatest unsung scientists to uncover the true extent of the extraordinary scientific journey started by Praeger. What Praeger began was a process – discovering the true makeup of Ireland’s distinct and unique plant life – that is far from over. It is still subject to much scientific endeavour and hot debate today. The story is ongoing and ever changing with new questions being asked and answered all the time.
For this series Derek Mooney, with the help of Praeger’s 1937 book ‘The Way That I Went’, will go on an epic journey around Ireland and Europe, looking back 20,000 years to unravel the true enigma surrounding Ireland’s unique and stunning eco system.
‘Secrets of the Irish Landscape’ is part funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and is an RTÉ Cork Production for RTÉ Television.
A major new book published by RTÉ and Cork University Press, will be published to coincide with this new television series.
Watch the promo on Youtube here
SIMBIOSYS: Invasive Species Workshop
Date: 23rd May
Location: Trinity College Dublin
An Invasive Species & Roads workshop on May 23rd 2013 in Trinity College Dublin. Halting the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services remains a key challenge of the 21st century. Invasive species are now recognised as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity globally and in Ireland. The SIMBIOSYS Project contributed to tackling this challenge by studying the impacts of road developments on alien species invasion and resistance.
To register please fill out the registration form and email it to David Bourke at bourkedo@tcd.ie
This workshop aims to:
•Provide an overview of invasive plants and their ecology.
•Provide an overview of national and international legislation, policy and guidelines concerning the management of invasive alien plants on roads.
•Disseminate the outputs from recent research activities on the impact of roads on biodiversity and ecosystem services
•Demonstrate with practical examples perspectives on invasive plant management through biological, physical and chemical control.
A full workshop programme will be circulated soon. Please check out the website in the coming weeks for more information: http://www.tcd.ie/research/simbiosys/
15th Medieval Dublin Symposium
Date: 25th MayLocation: Robert Emmet Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin
09.30 Registration and opening remarks
Seán Duffy
09.40 The importance of women in measuring the Irishness of Viking Dublin
Patrick F. Wallace
10.30 Dublin and the Late Roman comb
Ian Riddler
11.10 Tea & coffee
11.30 The rocky road(s) to Dublin?
Matthew Stout
12.10 What the Vikings really thought of Clontarf, and why we never heard it: a speculation
Lenore Fischer
12.50 Lunch
14.00 Farm fresh: St Mary’s abbey medieval food suppliers
Geraldine Stout
14.40 A rising tide does not lift all boats: medieval settlement in Temple Bar, Dublin
Alan Hayden
15.20 Tea & coffee
15.40 The church lands of the medieval diocese of Dublin
Paul McCotter
16.20 Life in the big city: being at home in Viking Dublin
Rebecca Boyd
Admission Free - All Welcome
No advance booking or registration needed
For further information contact Prof. Seán Duffy sduffy@tcd.ie
Call for Candidacies for the 6th European Greenways Award (EGA)
European Greenways Association (EGWA) announces the call for candidacies for the 6th European Greenways Award (EGA), 2013, which is organized by the EGWA in cooperation with the Comunidade Intermunicipal da Regiao Dao-Lafoes and with the support of the DG of Enterprise and Industry of the European Commission.
The objective is to promote examples of best practices and to support their replication for other greenways all over Europe. The European Greenways Award will be granted only to greenways under the Lille Declaration, as well as to initiatives already in existence.
This biennial award will recognize examples of best practices in greenways under three categories:
A. Excellence awards
Under this category the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be awarded to three exemplary greenways that show the best integration of the various characteristics that define greenways, (art. 1) and which also demonstrate specific strengths which, in the opinion of the jury, make them exemplary.
B. Exemplary initiatives
A 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be awarded to the exemplary initiatives carried out in relation to greenways. This category is open to any activity related to greenways in its broadest sense:
C. Special award, (*) Tourism product in greenways
A single award will be granted for a tourism product linked to greenways, aimed at either one or more of these trails. The objective is to promote the development and commercialization of high quality integrated tourism products related to greenways and to give visibility to these initiatives.
This special award is part of the activities included in the Greenways Product project, co-financed by DG Enterprise and Industry of the European Commission.
Deadline for Candidates : Monday, May 20th, 2013
Regulations and application forms available at: www.europeangreenwaysaward.org
Awards ceremony: 12th of September 2013, Viseu (Portugal)
Invasive Species Roadshow
Dates: 16th July- Cork
18th July- Kilkenny
20th July- Dublin (Swords)
Want to familiarise yourself with Ireland's invasive species - how to identify them and the threats they pose to native species? The Invasive Species Roadshow will visit Cork (16 July); Kilkenny (18 July) and Dublin (Swords) (20 July).
For bookings visit http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/home-page/event-registration/
Burren in Bloom Festival
Date: Month of May
Location: The Burren, Co Clare
The Burren in Bloom Festival returns this year with a series of illustrated talks and organised walks throughout the month of May. The Festival will give people an understanding and appreciation of the Burren and its formation, and how it continues to be a source of great botanical, archaeological, and cultural wealth with its unique wild flowers and ancient sites.
For all the details see http://www.burreninbloom.com/
Heritage Week 17th-25th August 2013
Date: 17th-25th August 2013
Location: Nationwide
There’s lots of fun in store for you during National Heritage Week! From medieval fairs, night time bat walks, classical music, poetry, theatre, traditional music, storytelling, historical re-enactments, local history walks and talks, maritime and coastal events, food fairs, traditional skills workshops and archaeological digs. There’s something for everyone and most events are free!
For a full list of all the events, see www.heritageweek.ie
Waterford Festival of Architecture
Date: 18th-21st April
Venue: Waterford
The annual Waterford Festival of Architecture (WFA) will take place this year from 18th – 21st April. The festival promotes awareness and understanding of architecture amongst the wider community as well as celebrating the architectural heritage of Waterford city and county. In particular the festival pays homage to the work of the great Georgian Waterford Architect, John Roberts. The 2013 festival theme is ‘The City at Play’.
Highlights this year include the festival opening by Dermot Bannon, Architecture and presenter of RTE’s Room to Improve; The Architectural Scavenger Hunt for all the family hosted by students of Architecture at WIT, Spraoi, GIY and many more.
For full details. See http://www.wfa.ie/
Holywell Trust Presents - Walls 400! The History Conference
Location - Derry
Date - Sat April 6th & Sun April 7th
Derry's Walls are one of Ireland's most impressive national monuments: in their massive scale, their state of preservation and their rich history. At key points in the past 400 years, Derry's Walls played a part in shaping the history of Ireland and Britain and our present-day cultural identities are a legacy of that history. The City Walls Heritage Project will help unpack the history of Derry's Walls, stimulating debate on their real significance, locally, nationally and internationally.
Derry is not alone as a Walled Town, rather it is part of a relatively small club of Irish and European Towns, which have preserved their ancient ramparts and absorbed them into their modern townscapes and which now seek to value their town walls as something which adds a distinctiveness to daily life and visits. In common with a smaller number of European walled towns which are emerging from a period of recent conflict, the City Walls Heritage Project will be exploring the role which the Walls played in the Troubles and what role Derry's Walls can play in healing through history, contributing to making the Walled City a special truly vibrant and shared space.
Click on this link to view the conference programme
For further details
Mark Lusby
Project Coordinator
07713 566719
www.holywelltrust.com
www.walls400.com
Heritage Council’s Irish Walled Towns Network wins prestigious European Heritage award
The Heritage Council’s Irish Walled Towns Network (IWTN) has won a highly sought after European heritage award. The Irish win is in the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards 2013 in the Education, Training and Awareness-Raising category. Known as the Oscars of European heritage, this accolade was won due to the efforts of the IWTN to train representatives of Irish historic towns to care for and advocate for their heritage.
The Irish Walled Towns Network (IWTN) educational programme is designed to impact upon how people in Ireland’s historic towns protect and use their medieval heritage. The overall aim of the programme is to create energized, educated heritage champions from local professionals and community groups that will drive the sustainable use of our medieval urban inheritance.
The award ceremony will take place on June 16, at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, in the presence of Karolos Papoulias, President of the Greek Republic, Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, and Plácido Domingo, the world-renowned opera singer and Europa Nostra President. The event is held under the auspices of the Greek President. Of the 30 winning projects, six will be named as grand prix laureates in Athens and one of the winners will receive the public choice award, based on an online poll conducted by Europa Nostra.
Download the full Press release here pdf
New Bat Species Recorded in Ireland
We are very excited to hear of the discovery of a new bat species in Ireland, a male Greater Horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) as a result of an inspection of a building under our REPS4 traditional farm buildings grant.
On 24th February 2013, a single male Greater Horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum was found roosting in Co. Wexford, Ireland. This is the first record of this species occurring naturally in Ireland. Paul Scott, a professional bat worker and member of Bat Conservation Ireland recorded the bat hanging from the ceiling in a disused cellar. Its identity has been confirmed by the Centre for Irish Bat Research, University College Dublin by analysing a sample of DNA from the bat.
This is a remarkable discovery in Ireland. Greater horseshoe bats are found in a small number of locations in Wales and southwest England as well as across Southern Europe. It is therefore possible that this bat has flown across from roosts in southwest Wales, over 100km away. The Lesser Horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros, a close relative, is found in western Counties in Ireland with main populations found in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway and Mayo.
Both species are protected under the EC Habitats Directive as they are vulnerable to loss of roosts in buildings and caves and loss of suitable habitat. The Greater Horseshoe bat has undergone a decline of 99% in the UK in the last century but lately both the Lesser and Greater Horseshoe bat populations have stabilised, thanks to the efforts of bat conservationists.
It is one of the largest bats in the Britain and Ireland, with the wingspan stretching over 30cm. Horseshoe bats are so-called due to a curious-looking horseshoe-shaped flap of skin on their face that actually helps in their navigation by echolocation in the dark.
This important new discovery was made during an inspection of farm buildings in County Wexford under the REPS4 Traditional Farm Buildings grant scheme administered by the Heritage Council. In summer both Greater and Lesser Horseshoe bat species uses old stone buildings as breeding roosts.
The Heritage Council is thrilled to hear of this discovery of a new bat species in Ireland as a result of the REPS4 traditional farm buildings grant scheme. It demonstrates just how vital expert input can be in uncovering more about our cultural and natural heritage. This exciting discovery underlines how this unique scheme offers a rare and positive opportunity to safeguard our natural and built heritage and the Council is privileged to be at the centre of a find of such significance.
At this time of year, most bats are sleeping through periods of cold weather and occasionally awake to feed on milder nights. Horseshoe bats are the only type of bat in Ireland that need to continuously suspend themselves upside down when resting and wrap their wings around their bodies. The Greater Horseshoe bat is the size of a pear when seen in this state, whereas the Lesser Horseshoe bat is less than half this size – around the size of a plum.
Further survey work will be undertaken by Bat Conservation Ireland volunteers in 2013 to see if this is a vagrant bat that has entered the country by accident, or if this is a pioneer bat looking to extend its natural range.
For further information contact Paul Scott pscott60@gmail.com , Bat Conservation Ireland.
A History of Ireland in 100 Objects
We are delighted to inform you all of A history of Ireland in 100 objects project which is a collaboration between the National Museum of Ireland, The Irish Times and the Royal Irish Academy.
The 100 objects app and e-book is a free gift from the government and is available now until 31st March. It is a beautiful and valuable resource which is available for downloading now from http://www.100objects.ie/
Great milestone for the Ireland Reaching Out Diaspora Programme.
Ireland Reaching Out (Ireland XO), the National "Reverse Genealogy" Programme launched by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, on March 14th 2012, announced today that it now has a volunteer network across all 32 counties of Ireland. Credit to all involved, volunteers, national and international, HQ team, the programme`s sponsors, LEADER, Heritage Council, Shannon Dev, Western Dev Commission and advisory board.
Click on this link to view a copy of the press release
For further information contact
Paula Kennedy
Ireland Reaching Out
25 Dunkellin Street
Loughrea
Co Galway
Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 91 842013
Email: pkennedy@irelandxo.com
Web: www.irelandxo.com
Irish Landscape Institute (ILI) – National Conference & Lecture Series 2012
Irish Landscape Institute (ILI) – National Conference and Lecture Series 2012
The Heritage Council’s Planning Officer - Alison Harvey (Associate Member of the ILI), was invited by the Irish Landscape Institute (ILI) to give a paper at the ILI’s National Conference in Dublin in November 2012. The title of the ILI’s Conference was – ‘Progressing Green Infrastructure (GI) in Ireland: Landscapes of Resilience and Transformation’
Alison was also invited to take part in the ILI’s Annual Lecture Series during 2012: Alison gave a participative talk on two occasions during 2012 – the first time in Kilkenny in June to mark the launch of the ILI’s new SE Branch and again in Dublin in December – the title of the talk is ‘Landscape Character Assessment and the National Landscape Strategy (NLS)’.
Conference papers including Alison’s are available to download from the following link - http://www.irishlandscapeinstitute.com/.
If you would like to contact Alison, please contact her at aharvey@heritagecouncil.ie
Conference: ‘Irish Food Products – A Historical Perspective’
Date: 14-15th June 2013
Location: Hotel Kilkenny, College Road, Kilkenny.
The conference presentations will examine the Dairy, Meat and Cereal Products eaten in Ireland from prehistory to the medieval period up to early modern times.
The conference is being organised by the Agricultural History Society of Ireland and the Irish Environmental History Network
Conference Costs:
Non-members: €60
Members: €50
Students: €30
Optional: Conference dinner 14th June €30 in Hotel Kilkenny
Optional: Excursion costs: €8
For more info email: aghistoryireland@gmail.com or tel 086-409 0050/ 087-6213605.
Ireland's Bioblitz 2013
The National Biodiversity Data Centre, in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Coillte and the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording is organising Ireland’s BioBlitz event on 24 & 25 May 2013.
The event will be held at four locations;
- Wicklow Mountains National Park, Co. Wicklow
- Burren National Park, Co. Clare
- Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon
- Colebrooke Estate, Co. Fermanagh
The four sites will compete to record the most species of wildlife over a 24-hour period. There will also be a programme of activities at each site running in conjunction with BioBlitz for anyone interested in wildlife to attend and join in the recording activity.
For further details see http://bioblitz.biodiversityireland.ie/
Summer Evenings Entertainment aboard Tall Ship "Gulden Leeuw"
Due to unprecedented demand Dundalk Chamber are delighted to announce that they will put on an exclusive summer evening’s entertainment aboard the Tall ship “Gulden Leeuw ”on Thursday the 23rd May 2013 as part of their Gathering Weekend.
This event has been a sell out for the past number of years. Chamber members and their guests had the time of their life on this unique, relaxed and informal event. Many group bookings were made by companies to entertain clients and valued staff members, aboard the beautiful & original sailing vessel.
It will be an evening to remember - a three hour sailing trip around Carlingford, enjoying the spectacular views, superb dining on board while the Blues band “The Nooks” will serenade guests to the mellow tones of their repertoire and guests will enjoy a free bar for one hour.
This is a once off opportunity for entertaining with a difference. As places are limited to 100, early booking is advisable. We are pleased to offer this event at the same cost as previous years - €89 per person with group discounts for 5 or more places (including transport, food and free bar for 1 hour).
With no travelling hassles, guests will brought by coach from Dundalk centre to the ship in Warrenpoint and safely returned to Dundalk by 11.00 p.m. approx, where the evening can continue for those who wish, at a local hostelry.
Check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/louthlandoflegends
Don’t miss this opportunity for entertaining with a difference –
Call Brenda on Tel: 042 9336343 or email: brenda@dundalk.ie to book your place.
Life + Call for Proposals 2013
The seventh LIFE+ call for proposals was published on 19 February, 2013, with up to €278 million available for co-financing of projects under three headings: Nature and Biodiversity (NAT); Environment Policy and Governance (ENV); and Information and Communication (INF).
Project proposals should be submitted to the relevant national authority using the eProposal tool no later than 16:00 hours (Brussels time) on 25 June, 2013. Member States will forward proposals to the European Commission by 5 July, 2013. The earliest possible starting date for 2013 projects is 1 June, 2014.
Please note that applicants must only use the eProposal tool to create and submit proposal(s) under the 2013 LIFE+ Call for Proposals.
For more information on the call, click on the link below.
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus2013/call/index.htm
European Day of Parks
My Park. My Passion. My Story: This is the 2013 motto for the European Day of Parks! This commemorative event day was launched in 1999 by the EUROPARC Federation to celebrate protected areas throughout Europe, on and around May 24th.
My Park. My Passion. My Story – what comes to your mind? What was the most exciting or wonderful experience you had when spending time in a protected area? This year's European Day of Parks invites everybody who loves to be out in nature to share her/his story.
We invite people who work in protected areas as well as those who visit them to reflect on the beauty of nature and share their passion, feelings and emotions in a story, a song, a picture, a film, any piece of art that expresses how you feel connected to your most favourite Protected Area.
Organizations can plan, promote and organize activities that allow people creatively express their experiences.
How? Well, here are a few ideas:
You can organize a silent walk and invite participants to exchange and paint what they felt afterwards; or make them play what they feel (can be a FastFood or conventional theatre);, provide material for drawing a picture or elaborating an artistic object; inspire participants to write a poem or story about My Park. My Passion. My Story; or compose a song and sing it with others; what about producing a film – even while hiking/biking/canoeing... or paragliding over the protected landscape? There are endless, easy ways to get people involved. And if you invite visitors and park rangers to spend time together, the outcome will be even more exciting!
The European Day of Parks aims at bringing people closer to nature and raising public awareness on the importance of the natural beauty preserved in protected areas and the importance of conservation and sustainable management of those places. EUROPARC Federation has a 40 year history of supporting protected areas staff to sustainably manage the landscape, fauna and flora.
We invite all our sections, members, and partners to join the European Day of Parks and make this day an unforgettable event!
More information at: http://europarc.org/whats-on/european-day-of-park
The National Print Museum
Dates: Feb-July 2013
Location: National Print Museum, Dublin 4.
The first half of 2013 at the National Print Museum is packed with new and exciting events, lectures, demonstration days and workshops!
Some highlights of the Museum's events over the coming months include:
- Mid-term and Summer Holiday Arts & Crafts Workshops for Children
- Adult Learners Festival 2013: Free Interactive Tour
- Introduction to Letterpress Workshops with Conrad Devlin
- Lecture: The Queen’s Primer - Anne Brady
- UNESCO Dublin: One City, One Book - Strumpet City at the National Print Museum
- New Traditional Bookbinding Workshop with Caroline Byrne
- The Gathering 2013: Demonstration Day
View the Event Guide Feb-July 2013 [pdf 2.2mb].
For more info visit: www.nationalprintmuseum.ie
Whale Watching Courses on Cape Clear
31st May-2nd June, 26th-28th July & 13th-15th September Cape Clear Island, West Cork
Looking for a weekend with a difference? Why not join the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) on a whale-watching course on Cape Clear Island, West Cork. These relaxed weekends combine an enjoyable learning experience on Ireland’s most stunning offshore Island, with an opportunity to observe some of the 24 species of whales and dolphins (and basking sharks), that can be seen in Irish waters.
Suitable from ages of 16 upwards, these courses cater for all levels of interest, from the complete novice to the wildlife enthusiast. Participants will attend a series of indoor presentations and guided land-based watches, during which you will learn the field-skills required to observe, identify and record these magnificent marine species. The course includes a whale watch boat trip (weather permitting) during which we will survey the productive waters out to the Fastnet Rock and beyond, at Ireland’s southern most point.
The course fee is €90 p/p, (€70 IWDG members) which includes tuition, guided land-based watches, a years IWDG membership and a resource pack. Deposit of €25 per person, payable to the IWDG to: IWDG, Dereen, Rossmore, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.
Further details, email padraig.whooley@iwdg.ie, Ph. 023-8838761 or see www.iwdg.ie
National Heritage Week 2013: 17th-25th August!
We’re already very excited about National Heritage Week 2013! Building on the momentum of The Gathering, we’ve just developed a great new brochure about the week, which is aimed at the over-seas tourist market and will be distributed through Tourism Ireland.
Have a look and do send it on to anyone you think might be interested in visiting Ireland during Heritage Week!
View National Heritage Week 2013 brochure (over-seas visitors) [pdf 2.7mb].
All Ireland Bird Conference & National Dawn Chorus Day
Bird Conservation Conference
During the weekend Friday 17 to Sunday 19 May the annual BirdWatch Ireland & RSPB Northern Ireland All Ireland Conference on Bird Conservation will be held at the beautiful La Mon Hotel & Country Club on the outskirts of Belfast. The theme of the conference is 'Connection' and will highlight how our natural heritage has shaped our culture. The booking form and programme of events are currently being finalised: for more details, please contact RSPB Northern Ireland
National Dawn Chorus Day
Our National Dawn Chorus Day is without question our most popular event of the year, and this year it will be held on Sunday 19th May. BirdWatch Ireland Branches all over the country will be holding dozens of free guided birdsong walks on and around that date, and full details will be published in eWings closer to the date.
For more information please visit: www.birdwatchireland.ie
Place Shapers: An Architecture/ Urban Design Project for Young People
Place Shapers is an architecture/urban design project for young people initiated by the Irish Architecture Foundation in partnership with Fingal County Council.
The project teams up young people with architects and a filmmaker to investigate architecture and urban design in their own neighbourhoods. Students from Luttrellstown Community College in Dublin 15 and Skerries Community College are working with architects Robert Bourke, Maria Tarsouli, Kate Dowling and Lisa Kenney and filmmaker Peter Kelly.
Supported by this creative team, the participating students are learning about architecture, urban design and film. By meeting the people who build, design and plan their built environment, they are gaining insight into the structures and strategies involved in developing local areas.
The next step for the students is to use their new skills and insight to critically appraise their environment and present their own creative response. All stages are captured on film and a short documentary about the students’ discoveries and ideas will be screened in spring 2013. The film and supporting resources will also be distributed nationwide to schools and youth groups.
In the meantime both teams are busy blogging about their projects:
http://placeshapers.wordpress.com
Place Shapers is an initiative of the Irish Architecture Foundation in partnership with Fingal County Council, made possible by the support of the Arts Council and the Government Policy on Architecture Implementation Programme 2009 – 2015. Place Shapers is additionally funded by Fingal County Council.
The Place and Space Research Group - Training Courses
The Place and Space Research Group is dedicated to the promotion of good practice and research to make our towns, cities and neighbourhoods better places to live and also to make them more resilient to the growing demands of climate change. We have just launched a new exciting training programme for 2013 and a new policy/academic journal called ‘Place and Space – the Journal of Placemaking’. To register your interest in any of the work that we do please email here. Details of our work can be found at https://twitter.com/PlaceMaking1 , www.ijnr.co.uk and http://placeandspaceresearch.wordpress.com/
Placemaking and Climate Change Training Programme
We will be holding the following training sessions across the UK in 2013. The cost to attend these day long sessions is £170 plus VAT and if you wish to attend please email us here.
Belfast
- Neighbourhood Improvement Planning 9th March 2013
- How to Manage and Evaluate Rural Development Programmes 14th March 2013
- Evaluation and Forward Strategy Planning for Local Projects 15th March 2013
- How to Develop Local Climate Change Action Plans 22nd March 2013
Dublin
- Neighbourhood Improvement Planning 18th March 2013
- How to Manage and Evaluate Rural Development Programmes 19th March 2013
- Evaluation and Forward Strategy Planning for Social Inclusion Projects 20th March 2013
- How to Develop Local Climate Change Action Plans 21st March 2013
Limerick
- Neighbourhood Improvement Planning 23rd April 2
- How to Manage and Evaluate Rural Development Programmes 24th April 2013
- Evaluation and Forward Strategy Planning for Social Inclusion Projects 25th April 2013
- How to Develop Local Climate Change Action Plans 26th April 2013
Cork
- Neighbourhood Improvement Planning 20th May 2013
- How to Manage and Evaluate Rural Development Programmes 21st May 2013
- Evaluation and Forward Strategy Planning for Social Inclusion Projects 22nd May 2013
- How to Develop Local Climate Change Action Plans 23rd May 2013
Belfast
- Neighbourhood Improvement Planning 23rd October 2013
- Evaluation and Forward Strategy Planning for Local Projects 24th October 2013
- How to Develop Local Climate Change Action Plans 25th October 2013
- How to Manage and Evaluate Rural Development Programmes 22nd October 2013
The cost to attend these day long sessions is £170 plus VAT and if you wish to attend please email us here. We can deliver these in house for you for the sum of £600 plus VAT.
Place and Space - Journal of Placemaking
We are pleased to launch this new and exciting journal dedicated to the promotion of people friendly places and sustainable spaces. The first edition of this Journal is out in December 2012 and if you wish to submit a paper please email here. The annual cost to subscribe to the Journal is £500 for Institutions (hard copy / IP access), £200 for business/local authorities etc (hard copy) and £100 for students (hard copy). To have your work advertised in the Journal please email here.
Placemaking Annual Awards and Conference
On the 17th May 2013 we will be staging the 1st Annual Awards and Conference for the Journal of Placemaking. At this event we will be celebrating good practice in this area of public policy and hearing from key speakers on a range of topics. If you wish to present at this event or indeed nominate a project/programme for an award please just email us here. The delegate/speaker fee for this event is £200 plus VAT and if you wish to have a display space the cost for this is £900. To book your requirements please email us here.
Wexford Naturalists' Field Club - Programme 2013
Wexford Naturalists' Field Club has just published their lectures and events programme for 2013.
The programme includes lectures - which usually take place in the pumphouse at Wexford Fowl Reserve and tours to locations nationwide.
Download the full programme and membership application form [pdf 330pdf].
For more information visit: www.wexfordnaturalists.com
Conference: Flood Protection & Heritage Conservation on Rivers & Streams
Date: 22-23 March 2013
Location: Dresden, Germany.
Evidence of increasingly severe river floods in recent decades has spurred
unprecedented efforts in Germany, Europe and many other regions of the world to reduce these threats through flood control measures. While there is general agreement that flood management should first of all be pursued by strengthening natural water retention, such efforts allow limited improvements for urbanized floodplains.
Their execution often collides with other land-use concerns and
requires long-range planning. Communities are therefore increasingly asking for protective structures to be built immediately along the endangered areas. River flood control techniques have been greatly improved in recent years, but such measures are usually extensive and structurally invasive. They may compromise urban design and landscape qualities, historic monuments and sites, and tourist appeal, and thus affect the quality of life and the overall value of a location. This aspect has not been sufficiently taken into consideration so far, and it is rarely considered adequately and early enough in planning such projects.
This international colloquium will address basic parameters and experiences from different geographic, political, economic and cultural contexts. Promising
approaches and strategies for the preservation of urban and cultural landscapes along rivers and streams and for building environmentally-sound protection systems will be discussed. The following topics and questions are of special interest:
I. GOALS & CONFLICTS: General and specific problems of flood control in
sensitive urban areas and cultural landscapes
II. APPROACHES: Strategies, processes, methods
III. SOLUTIONS: Technological and structural examples
The colloquium is intended to bring together scientists and planners from hydraulic engineering, heritage conservation, architecture, urban design and landscape architecture. Conference languages are English and German.
Papers presented will be published in the conference proceedings.
Further information: http://flood-heritage-2013.arch.tu-dresden.de/
NBDC Announce Distinguished Recorder 2012
The National Biodiversity Data Centre is delighted to announce that Dr. Don C.F. Cotton was presented with the Distinguished Recorder Award 2012 at a special ceremony in Dublin on Thursday 22nd November. Don received this award for the outstanding contribution he has made to the recording of biological diversity in Ireland for almost 40 years.
About Don Cotton:
Having spent several years working and studying in the UK Don came to Ireland in 1976 to work as a post-doc in UCD in the field of soil invertebrate ecology. Declan Doogue was a great inspiration and contact around this time and through him Don became involved in the Irish Biogeographical Society and the Dublin Naturalists Field Club. His involvement with the Irish Biogeographical Society was seminal in focussing naturalists like Don to record flora and fauna.
Don’s recording career began with woodlice, earthworms and other invertebrates such as Odonata and Orthoptera. He carried out a methodical study of the Odonata of Dublin and Wicklow (1978-1980) and reviewed all Irish Orthoptera records. Records during this period were written on “Cope-Chat punched cards” and in field note books.
In early 1977 Don was acquainted with John Lovatt and became involved in Irish Wildbird Conservancy and in wetland bird counts for Lough Derravaragh, Co Westmeath. He founded a young ornithologists movement and was invited onto the Council of IWC 1979-1981.
In 1981 he moved to Sligo to lecture in Ecology and Geology at the Regional Technical College and played a key role in developing an Hons Degree Course in Environmental Science & Technology. At this point his recording focus changed to specialising in all aspects of the natural history of Sligo and Leitrim. During his first 5 years in Sligo he was involved in special surveys of Odonata, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera and Ornithology and established an IWC Sligo Branch doing wetland bird surveys and flora and invertebrate studies. Some of the main recording initiatives he was involved in over the next number of years were:
Winter Atlas of birds for Sligo and Leitrim 1981-1984; Winter Wetlands Survey 1984-1987 for Sligo and Leitrim; Chough Survey; Whooper swan survey and Barnacle goose survey. From 1990 to1992 he carried out a special survey of Harvestmen with Martin Cawley
In 1995 Don established a computer database for his species records which was one of the first PC based amateur databases to be established in Ireland. He extended the computerisation of his records in 2000 with a references and habitats database for Sligo and Leitrim.
Don was founder member of the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group and its first Chairman in 1990. He was the Botanical Society of British Isles (BSBI) County Recorder for Leitrim (1997-2012) and nominally for Sligo (1997-2001) during the years of the ‘New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora’. He is the current BSBI County Recorder for Sligo.
Don served on the Board and the Editorial Committee of the Irish Naturalists’ Journal and also served 3 years as Chairman of INJ. He currently serves on the following committees: Praeger Committee (RIA); Sligo Heritage Forum (Sligo Co.Co.); Wildlife Committee (Heritage Council).
For more info visit: www.biodiversityireland.ie/distinguished-recorder-2012
Protected Areas have increased to cover one fifth of Europe’s Land
More than 21% of the land has some kind of protected status in the 39 countries which work with the European Environment Agency (EEA). However, only 4 % of the sea controlled by countries of the European Union is included within the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, according to a new report from the EEA.
A ‘protected area’ can be any area of land or water designated primarily for nature conservation. There are 105,000 nationally designated protected sites in EEA member and cooperating countries [external website], ranging in size from the 1.3 million hectare (ha) Vatnajokulsthjodgardur National Park in Iceland down to individual trees, such as the Kaèja smreka in Godovic, Slovenia.
Protected areas are important havens for biodiversity and vital to preserving some of Europe’s most threatened species, according to ‘Protected areas in Europe – an overview [external website]’, which looks at the status of national parks, nature reserves, biosphere reserves and other protected areas, including the EU’s Natura 2000 network [external website]. These areas can place very different limits on human activity. For example, some allow building, fishing and industry, while others are closed to most human intervention.
“Europe has a far-reaching network of protected areas which can provide refuge to some of the most threatened species,” EEA Executive Director Jacqueline McGlade said. “However, despite a huge growth in protected areas in recent years, many of Europe’s species still face an uncertain future. Europe as a whole has seen more habitat fragmentation than any other continent. So we need to work harder to conserve species in the wider countryside.”
The EU has a target for 10 % of its seas to be designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), although this aim has not yet been achieved. Habitats further out at sea are particularly under-represented in Europe’s protected areas, the report notes.
Protected areas in Europe cover a huge variety of natural environments, across eleven distinct biogeographic regions, from the Arctic polar deserts and the boreal forests in the North to the arid or dense mattoral shrubland in the south. Vast tracts of steppe in Eastern Europe contrast with extensive heathlands in the West.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity [external website] and also the Habitats Directive. The Habitats Directive led to the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, which has been a major driver in creating and maintaining key areas for biodiversity.
Biodiversity under pressure
The EU aims to halt the loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, and also work to slow biodiversity loss at the global level. Protected areas are important for meeting this target because they can provide a better environment for wildlife, which is increasingly under pressure in many parts of Europe.
The European landscape is increasingly fragmented [external website] by roads, railways and towns, blocking migration and dividing species into unsustainably small populations. Between 1990 and 2006, the area of Europe covered by artificial surfaces increased by around 8 %. Most dams prevent migratory fish species from reaching many inland river basins.
Agriculture has also intensified in many parts of Europe, leading to increased pollution from nitrates and other substances in some regions. This affects many species of plants and animals which are dependent on low-intensity farming.
Other environmental changes come from climate change, invasive alien species, overfishing and pollution. All these pressures can have a cumulative effect, in the worst cases pushing species and ecosystems into irreversible decline.
The benefits of protected areas
The earliest motives for protecting an area were probably to safeguard its spiritual significance or its importance as a hunting ground. What were once viewed as islands of wilderness are now increasingly perceived as parts of wider networks, involving and benefiting local communities. However, the intrinsic value of preserving nature is still a major motivating factor for setting up protected areas.
There are many other benefits of protected areas alongside protecting biodiversity. The report cites many positive side-effects, including economic benefits – for example, Natura 2000 sites receive between 1.2 and 2.2 billion visitor days every year, generating additional income of €50-85 billion.
Protected areas can also provide health benefits, education opportunities, clean water and air, and tourism. Marine Protected Areas can also increase the yields of nearby fisheries. A recent study by the European Commission [external website] estimated that the benefits of the Natura 2000 network to be 3-7 times the cost of setting it up.
For more information visit: www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/protected-areas-have-increased-to
From Apathy to Empathy: Reconnecting People & Place - Audio Available
'From Apathy to Empathy – Reconnecting People & Place’, a symposium with leading international and national experts in place-based education took place on 22nd-24th August, Kinvara, Co. Galway.
With support from the Heritage Council, Burrenbeo Trust was delighted to present its inaugural Learning Landscape Symposium. This unique event brought together leading national and international thinkers and practitioners who specialise in the theme of place-based learning. Place-based learning encourages the use of the local environment as a learning resource. It immerses individuals in local heritage, culture and landscape, encouraging them to become more aware of their place.
With 20 talks and interactive sessions, this symposium had something for everyone. Leading experts from the States, David Sobel, Gregory Traymer, and from the UK Gordon MacLellan, Jane Stoneham, and Tony Kendle were joined by Irish place based educators such as Michael Gibbons, Katy Egan,Sean McDonagh, John Feehan, Gordon D’Arcy, Cillian Roden, Nessa Cronin, Karen Till, Patrick McCormack, Eileen Hutton, Eugene Lambe, Pat Nagle and many, many more as they participated in workshops, on-site demonstrations as well as guided walks and cultural events. Participants were challenged to engage fully with place and the issues that impact on them, learning lessons and techniques which can be adapted to their own place and its needs.
Areas explored during the event include: what are the benefits, for people and places, of place-based learning? What is best practice worldwide in engaging and inspiring people with regard to their place? And how can the Burren, Ireland’s ultimate outdoor classroom, be better utilised and developed as a learning landscape?
Feedback from organisers, speakers and attendees is now available on Sound Cloud: http://soundcloud.com/burrenbeotrust
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral launches “Tales from our Timeline” Exhibition
On Monday 20th August Saint Patrick’s Cathedral launched their “Tales from our Timeline” digital learning exhibition. This exhibition allows smart-phone users free access to a collection of online videos about the Cathedral. Access to these videos is through a series of QR Codes which can be found around the building.
Smart-phone users can download a free QR Scanner App using the Cathedral’s Wi-Fi connection. When the phone is then held up to one of these codes, the App will scan the code and take you directly to an online video with more information about the subject in question. For visitors who don’t have smart phones, the videos can be viewed on the Cathedral’s website either before or after their visit.
The aim of the new exhibition, which is part-funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland, is to increase learning within the Cathedral in a way that does not physically impact on the building which, built by the Normans in the mid-thirteenth century, is nearly 800 years old.
This new content will be live at http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/OurHistoryHome.aspx on the 20th of August.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral can be followed on Twitter @stpatrickscath and pictures, comments and feedback can be shared on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stpatrickscathedral.
New Guide to Great Southern Trail Published
The Great Southern Trail [GST ] has just published a new guide for walkers and cyclists to the developed Co. Limerick section of the old Limerick to Tralee railway line. Over 35 Km of Greenway is now available for off-road recreation and the guide gives directions to the principal access points along the route between Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale.
The guide also provides a map detailing the Co. Kerry section of the old railway; most of this is as yet undeveloped but remains in CIÉ ownership.
The brochure will be formally launched at Ardagh Community Hall on Heritage Sunday 26th August at 5.30pm and is also downloadable from www.southerntrail.net or by clicking here [PDF 1.85 MB].
The GST acknowledges the support of West Limerick Resources and Limerick County Council.
MSPI - 3 Additional Museums Receive Full Accreditation
Congratulations to the Old Library in Trinity College Dublin; Pearse Museum OPW in St. Enda’s Park Rathfarnham; and Castletown House OPW in Co. Kildare who were today awarded full accreditation by the Heritage Council under the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI). These museums will now join 15 other museums nationwide that have been recognised for high standards under the Programme.
The Foynes Flying Boat Museum in Limerick also received interim accreditation while Monaghan County Museum and the Butler Gallery Kilkenny were awarded maintenance of full accreditation at a ceremony which took place in Dublin on Wednesday 11th July.
Minister of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, T.D. commented:
“The Museum Standards Programme for Ireland recognises the high standards and level of professionalism which exists within the museum sector. Our cultural heritage is a key factor to attracting tourists and generating economic growth. The museums achieving the various stages of accreditation today are to be commended for their commitment, hard work and vision”.
The Museum Standards Programme, the first of its kind in Ireland is an important initiative which sets out to improve all aspects of Ireland’s museum practice and in particular raise the standards of care for collections across Irish museums and galleries. A voluntary programme, it has attracted involvement from across the cultural spectrum from national institutions to small, volunteer led organisations. To date of the 52 participants in the programme, 15 museums have achieved full accreditation and 10 have been awarded interim accreditation.
Science at the Royal Irish Academy: ‘Uniting whatever is pleasing with whatever is useful’ Exhibition
Dates: Monday - Friday (July 2012 - May 2013)
Times: 10:00am - 4:30pm
Location: Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Fee: FREE
To celebrate ‘Dublin City of Science 2012’ the Library has organised an exhibition showcasing some of the important historic science collections held by the Academy. These focus on Ireland’s foremost mathematician and scientist William Rowan Hamilton (1805-65) whose mathematical genius led to discoveries including his work on dynamics which formed the basis for Erwin Schrödinger’s work in quantum mechanics.
The exhibition also highlights the contribution of Richard Kirwan (1733-1812), second Academy president, who played a significant role in the fields of chemistry, geology and meteorology, and whose work was known and honoured throughout northern Europe and in America. The father of seismology, Robert Mallet (1810-81), is also remembered as is the botanical fieldwork of Robert Lloyd Praeger (1865-1953) and the collecting of entomologists, Alexander H. Haliday (1807-70), Richard John Ussher (1841-1913), and others. The Academy’s role in promoting scientific debate and publication since its earliest days is also discussed.
The exhibition and accompanying booklet are the result of a collaboration between Academy members, Duncan Thorburn Burns and James P. O’Connor, as well as Nigel Monaghan, Keeper, National Museum of Ireland, Natural History Division, and Mairéad Treanor, Librarian, Met Éireann.
Groups by appointment. Occasionally access to the exhibition area is limited due to conferences. (Phone: 6090620; email: library@ria.ie).
For further information, please visit: http://www.ria.ie/library/exhibitions.aspx
Launch - Roscrea Town Enhancement Plan
The Heritage Council has chosen Roscrea, among only a handful of Irish towns to put in place a public realm plan or the 'Roscrea Town Enhancement Plan'. Alison Harvey, Planning Officer with the Heritage Council gave a definition of 'Public Realm' at the launch of the Plan:
"Public Realm refers to publicly-owned streets, sidewalks, rights-of-ways, parks and other publicly accessible open spaces, and public and civic buildings and facilities''.
Alison Harvey's presentation invited the audience to consider how in business and even in general community-morale terms, a Town-Centre's sense-of-place and its capacity to 'market' itself (to itself and to visitors), is boosted by its 'USP', its Unique Selling Point, i.e. the characteristic which make it different. This is especially so when the differences relate to an attractive built environment based on history, heritage and tradition. Roscrea Town Centre is rich in this regard. Roscrea has a magnificent Castle Complex, and Round Tower which have yet to be maximised to their full potential. The historic town centre is characterised by owner-occupied and owner-managed small-scale shops many of which have traditional wooden shop fronts. Rosemary Square in particular is beautiful and throughout the town it is clearly evident that Roscrea has a very active tidy towns committee. Alison outlined the importance of Town Centre Management Strategies and described what makes a town centre vibrant and successful. Her presentation was certainly well received and helped provoke a lot conversation which was rich with ideas for improvements.
Download the full Press Release issued by Roscea Chamber of Commerce here [PDF 135KB].
If you have any ideas or suggestions in relation to the Plan please contact Marion Carey at marion.carey@northtippcoco.ie or Brian King at bking@roscreacu.ie
Cape Clear Island Summer Courses - Summer Sale
Summer Sale: 20% off summer courses on Cape Clear Island.. book now, limited availability! Courses include birdwatching, wildlife photography and nature spotting. Find out more at
http://shop.birdwatchireland.ie/birdwatchireland/index.php?cPath=57_54
Interactive Map of the Shannon, the Grand and Royal Canals
You can click on various locations to see the Studies' recommendations and who is responsible for their implementation. You will also be able to see the various designated areas (SACs, NHAs etc.), national monuments and protected structures located within 500m of these water bodies. You don't need any additional software to use the map.
Heritage as an Engine of Economic Growth in Mid-Sized Towns - Video clips now available
This conference examined how the heritage resources of a town can help it recover from the recession. Economists, planners, geographers, architects and heritage consultants from both the private and public sector talked about the role heritage can have in boosting the tourist, retail and entertainment sectors of Ireland’s mid-sized towns.