Ireland's Coastal Heritage

Ireland's Coastal Heritage

Oidhreacht Nádúrtha & Bithagsúlacht Oidhreacht faoi uisce & mhuirí

This publication highlights the threats to Ireland’s coastline, providing many little-known facts about our coastal heritage.

The island of Ireland has a long and complex coastline in relation to its land area. This interface between land and sea contains some of the finest parts of our natural and man-made heritage. The natural heritage includes rocks, marine and coastal habitats and marine life, including plankton, shellfish, fish, seabirds, whales and seals. Our human heritage is rich and varied including coastal and island communities, traditional boats, historical fishing methods, shipwrecks, and coastal archaeology.

  • Foilsithe ag: The Heritage Council
Farming and Archaeology

Farming and Archaeology

Oidhreacht Tógtha / Uirbeach & Seandálaíocht

This publication provides a guide for farmers on how to recognise and protect important archaeology that may be on their land. 

Archaeological monuments such as moated sites and ringforts are the former homesteads of previous farming communities. Farming has been a vital force in developing our heritage and modern non-intrusive farming practices continue to preserve and shape our historic landscapes. This valuable legacy is something we should try to understand, cherish and protect for ourselves and for future generations.

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Conserving Ireland's Maritme Heritage

Conserving Ireland's Maritme Heritage

Oidhreacht faoi uisce & mhuirí

The policy statement defines maritime heritage and outlines the main issues it faces, in particular those resulting from increasing human activity in the coastal zone. The document is divided into two parts, one dealing with the general principles, and the second section on specific aspects of maritime heritage.

A primary recommendation is the need for a cohesive strategy for the sustainable use and

development of marine and coastal areas, one which identifies important heritage features
and provides for their long-term protection. The strategy should be based on a comprehensive
review of relevant policies and measures currently in place and their efficacy to date and include
a management framework for environmental protection and management. Importantly, this
strategy should also be supported by a campaign to raise awareness and improve education
regarding maritime heritage.

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Annual Report 2005

Annual Report 2005

Tuarascáil Bhliantúil

Annual report of the Heritage Council for 2005, including financial statements.

Council’s 2005 report highlights the core work which has been carried out in a number of
areas. These include partnerships, policy proposals and priorities, and promotional
work.

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Heritage Outlook Summer/ Autumn 2006

Heritage Outlook Summer/ Autumn 2006

Ginearálta

Quarterly magazine of the Heritage Council with news, events, opportunities and features.

In this issue:

PREHISTORIC MUSIC IN IRELAND
exploring prehistoric musical instruments in Ireland
THATCHING IN IRELAND
the role of thatch in vernacular architecture
BIODIVERSITY DAY
full list of events inside
HERITAGE WEEK REGISTRATION • FURNITURE CONSERVATION • WATERFORD IMAGE ARCHIVE PROJECT

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Survey of Irish Archives Collections

Survey of Irish Archives Collections

Músaeim, cartlanna & Oidhreacht cultúrth

The aim of this survey was to capture significant data on the structure, scale and activity of the archives sector in Ireland in order to support the Heritage Council's formulation of policy for the sector.

The Museum and Archives Committee of the Heritage Council developed the questionnaire, with assistance from the Society of Archivists, Ireland, and the collection methodology involved a postal self-completion approach. A listing of approximately 212 Archives in Ireland was used and 130 Archives responded.

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St Mary's Church and Graveyard, Kilkenny: Conservation Plan

St Mary's Church and Graveyard, Kilkenny: Conservation Plan

Oidhreacht Tógtha / Uirbeach & Seandálaíocht

This conservation plan is the outcome of a conservation-focused study of St. Mary’s Church and Graveyard in the centre of Kilkenny City. The study team was comprised of archaeologists, building history researchers, a structural engineer, conservation architects, building and stone material consultants, and a landscape architect.

The plan includes a brief historical background study of St Mary’s Church and Graveyard, a detailed scaled survey of the site and a physical study of the site, its monuments and

buildings as they are currently. These studies have helped to lead to an understanding of the site and its components, their contribution to the integrity of the site, and the issues it faces.

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Conserving and Enhancing Wildlife in Towns and Villages: A Guide for Local Community Groups

Conserving and Enhancing Wildlife in Towns and Villages: A Guide for Local Community Groups

Oidhreacht Nádúrtha & Bithagsúlacht

Towns and villages can support a surprisingly wide range of wildlife habitats and species of local, or even national conservation interest. This guide provides advice to those who want to take action to conserve, protect and enhance wildlife in their town or village.

The importance of ecologically friendly management of areas in or around towns or villages is recognised in a number of competitions, awards and grants, including the Heritage Council Wildlife and Local Heritage Grants and the Tidy Towns Competition, organised by the
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government .If your community group is interested in applying for or participating in either these or similar grants or competitions, this guide will be of relevance to you.

  • Foilsithe ag: The Heritage Council