Resources for Heritage Projects

A list of resources we hope you find helpful when planning and developing your heritage project.

Heritage Resource Guide

The Heritage Resource Guide compiles a range of online heritage resources including archives, digital collections, data bases and inventories, GIs applications, video, mobile apps, most of which can be accessed freely on personal devices. It covers numerous subjects e.g. archaeology and history, architecture, coastal and marine, habitats and species, museums and collections.

GIS-based websites to discover the built, natural and intangible heritage of your area.

Access and inclusion Resources

Reflecting on inclusion
Building understanding around peoples’ different experiences and needs

Addressing Barriers
Barriers, including language barriers, communication barriers, and barriers that might stop people from taking part.

Inclusive Activities & Events Toolkit- European Heritage Days
Tips and Case Studies for inclusive and accessible events and activities

National Disability Authority Website

 "Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach" provides comprehensive best practice guidance on how to design, build and manage buildings and spaces so that they can be readily accessed and used by everyone, regardless of age, size ability or disability.

“Access: Improving the accessibility of historic buildings and places” was developed by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht as part of their Advice Series of booklets. The booklets are designed to guide those responsible for historic buildings on how best to maintain, repair and adapt their properties.

Welcoming Disabled Audiences Toolkit by Thrive-NI

Working with monuments and buildings

Climate change & energy efficiency


Towns and Villages


Wildlife, biodiversity & water heritage


Heritage Council Publications & Links:

National Biodiversity Data Centre Publications & Links:

All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Resources:


Local Authority Heritage Officer and Biodiversity Officer Network

BirdWatch Ireland:

Vincent Wildlife Trust:

EPA

Water Heritage
Waterways Ireland Archive
Local Authority Waters Programme
Stories from the Waterside
Coast Monkey

Care of Collections & heritage interpretation

Heritage interpretation presentations on the Heritage Council’s YouTube channel Organising events presentations on the Heritage Council’s YouTube channel

Useful Contacts for sourcing expertise

Heritage Officers
Heritage Officers are employed by Local Authorities in partnership with the Heritage Council under our Heritage Officer Programme. Your local Heritage Officer will be happy to provide you with initial guidance on your project. They have a wealth of experience and can help you identify useful resources within your locality and country-wide.

Architectural Conservation Officers in Local Authorities
Compiled in October 2024- Contact details for Architectural Conservation Officers in Local Authorities. Note not all local authorities have an Architectural Conservation Officer employed.

Biodiversity Officers
City and County Biodiversity Officers are employed by Local Authorities in collaboration with the Heritage Council and supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Biodiversity officers work closely with heritage officers and other professionals within the local authority, as well as with the wider community in each city and county.

Sourcing a Conservation Consultant for your built heritage project
Find a conservation consultant for your building/structures project

Conservation building contractors
Irish Georgian Society Traditional Building Skills Register
Register of Heritage Contractors

Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland
Find an archaeologist

Institute of Conservation and Restorers Ireland (ICRI)
Find a Conservator/Restorer

Heritage in Schools Panel of Heritage Specialists.

National Parks and Wildlife Service
Contact details for your Local wildlife ranger

Chartered Institute of Environmental & Ecological Managers (CIEEM)
Find an Ecologist or environmental manager

Birdwatch Ireland

Bat Conservation Ireland/

Vincent Wildlife Trust

Butterfly Conservation Ireland

Local Authority Waters Programme- Community Water Officers

Development of digital Resources to promote your project & public engagement

Digitisation Checklist: The Heritage Council 2025
Guidance for heritage organisations undertaking digitisation projects, detailing the essential phases of the process.

Digital Trails Toolkit: Failte Ireland (2022)
This toolkit presents current national and international best practice in digital trail development.

How to make a podcast: Peter Baxter A tutorial for primary school children and adults on creating podcasts about their local heritage and using technology they have at home. Peter Baxter is a member of the Heritage in Schools Panel of Heritage Specialists.

Shooting a video on your smart phone A how-to guide for shooting videos on a smart phone from The Design and Crafts Council.

Editing video on a smartphone Part 1, Part 2 Now that you have recorded your video, use these guides from The Design and Crafts Council to assist you in editing your footage

How to create a public engagement programme during works to traditional buildings.
Top tips on events and activities to engage the public with your conservation project

Dark Skies

Environmentally Friendly Lighting Guide

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