Publications & Reports

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.

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.

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.

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.

Appendices 4.36MB Zipped Folder 
Shannon Meelick Limerick Maps 13.68MB Zipped Folder 

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

In this issue:

THE EAGLE’S RETURN TO DONEGAL
the Golden Eagle reintroduction project
THE IRISH FARMYARD
caring for the heritage of farm buildings
IRELAND’S FILM ARCHIVES
preserving our celluloid heritage
HERITAGE WEEK • BIODIVERSITY AND HUMAN HEALTH • TEXTILE CONSERVATION

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.

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.

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.