Heritage of Clare
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Heritage of Clare |
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There are 120,000 Monuments on the Record of Monuments and Places for Ireland, of which there are approximately 6,000 in County Clare. Nationally there are 740 Monuments (or 5% of total) in State Care, which are managed by the Monument Service (OPW). There are approximately 42 Monuments in State Care in County Clare. The Recorded Monuments are regarded as National Monuments, the preservation of which is a matter of national importance by reason of historic, archaeological traditions, artistic or architectural interest. The County Clare Inventory of Archaeology is ongoing and is due to be completed by 2004. County Clare is recognised nationally for its Archaeological significance, with many large and well-recognised sites. Some areas of the Burren remain unchanged since the presence of the first farmer and are regarded as prehistoric landscapes fossilised in time i.e. Parknabinna. The vast number of archaeological sites alone in the Burren make it of international importance, with 300 recorded Fulacht Fiadh, 450 ring forts and the densest concentration known of wedge tombs in Ireland. Many more sites have yet to be located and recorded. The Discovery Programme revealed a wealth of Archaeology in the mud flats at the Shannon Estuary. The western stone ring forts were nominated for World Heritage Status this year. Given the wealth of Archaeological Heritage in County Clare there is a clear need to enhance its protection, increase awareness of its value and make it accessible to the public. The preservation and protection of archaeology is paramount, as is the awareness of the value of archaeology. The communication of the education message to all the stakeholders and information to landowners and future generations is highlighted. A Monument Watch Advisor has been employed by Clare County Council under the Heritage Plan Actions. This scheme allows for an archaeologist to visit landowners and advice them about the monuments on their lands. Objectives highlighted for Archaeology in the Clare Heritage Plan:
Architecture The County Clare Interim Survey of Architectural Heritage is an extensive primary survey, which evaluated and recorded an inventory of buildings of architectural merit in the form of an integral computer database. A database also exists of all the buildings surveyed in Ennis. These independent assessments set the basis for the Record of Protected Structures within the County Development Plan. Clare County Council has a Conservation Officer who is responsible for architectural conservation. Further details can be obtained from the web-sites below. |
