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

sparkchange.ie, provides resources on how you can make your community more sustainable. It also has a list of inspirational projects from across Ireland.



Towns and Villages



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


Development of digital Resources to promote your project & public engagement

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

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 February 2021- Contact details for Architectural Conservation Officers in Local Authorities. Note not all local authorities have an Architectural Conservation Officer employed.

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