Publications & Reports

The Bolton Library, Cashel, is one of Ireland’s great, but little known  treasures. The bequest of Archbishop Bolton, it provides a rich insight into the cultured milieu in which such a patron lived and the wide breadth of his learning and aspirations. 

It complements other such collections in Ireland, from the same period, such as the Worth Library and Marsh’s Library, both in Dublin. The donation of the Bolton Library to subsequent generations provided a legacy beyond price.

In keeping with the aims of its Strategic Plan 2007—2011, the Heritage Council, in partnership with the Irish Naval Service, commissioned this study. The study (DRAFT) complements the Heritage

Council’s
key ‘shared vision’ to ‘work in partnership for the conservation of our
national heritage through encouraging its accessibility and enjoyment
by everyone.’ The draft ‘Scoping Study’ is
presented here to the public for wider consultation and feedback.

The specific impacts examined were:

• Ecological impact - terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna, and terrestrial and aquatic habitats;
• Cultural heritage impact - underwater archaeology, and upstanding archaeological structures such as crannógs, landing places, harbours, piers and bridges from medieval times to the mid-20th century;
• Hydro-morphological impact - river and canal channels, river and canal banks, different soil types to assess their susceptibility to erosion, sediment mobilisation and depositional patterns, navigational and engineering structures.

This review provides an overview of the findings, methodologies and mitigation strategies used elsewhere. It will inform a second stage of research involving field study at a later stage.

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.

In 2003 the Heritage Council became concerned about Irish boats, both inland and sea-going, as a neglected aspect of our heritage. To inform itself, the Council commissioned Reggie Goodbody to carry out a scoping study of the heritage boat sector. Arising from this study the Council

decided to host a seminar on Ireland’s boats in 2004, to which people involved in any aspect of inland and maritime boats were invited to attend.

The Museums Standards Programme for Ireland was established subsequent to the publication of this paper.

This programme, the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland, sets out to improve all aspects of Ireland’s museum practice. A voluntary programme, it has attracted involvement from across the cultural spectrum - from national institutions to small, volunteer-led organisations.