Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Carrowkeel Passage Tombs, Co Sligo Alamy Stock Photo
Heritage

Cultural sites in seven counties to seek Unesco World Heritage status

But Glendalough Valley in Co Wicklow was not accepted to the list of hopeful applicants.

CULTURAL SITES IN seven counties around Ireland intend to seek Unesco World Heritage status, a major accolade to recognise outstanding global value.

Ireland’s ‘tentative list’ of sites that could apply for nomination has been updated for the first time since 2010, adding several new hopefuls.

The prospective applicants are:

  • the passage tomb landscape of Co Sligo,
  • the Transatlantic Cable Ensemble, Co Kerry,
  • and the Royal Sites of Ireland, spanning several counties.

The passage tomb landscape of Co Sligo features stone monuments like upland cairns and megalithic tombs.

The Transatlantic Cable Ensemble: Valentia-Heart’s Content, paired with a site in Canada, comprises two cable stations of the world’s first permanent trans-oceanic submarine electric telegraph.

And the Royal Sites of Ireland includes sites like forts and hills across several counties: Dún Ailinne, Co Kildare; Hill of Uisneach, Co Westmeath; Rock of Cashel, Co Tipperary; Rathcroghan, Co Roscommon; and Tara, Co Meath.

However, three other sites that applied were not admitted to the list: Glendalough Valley in Co Wicklow and the Burren Uplands and Iniscealtra, both in Co Clare.

The tentative list includes natural and cultural heritage locations that could potentially be nominated as a World Heritage site.

A site must be on the list for at least one year before it can begin the nomination process, which does not necessarily result in World Heritage status.

The World Heritage Committee must determine that the spot is of ‘outstanding universal value’ for humanity.

The Department of Heritage invited local authorities to apply for the list for sites in their jurisdiction.

Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan described the list as a “credible and history-making series of sites with World Heritage ambition”.

“We will work with the applicants in years ahead in building the necessary nomination documentation and establishing the management structures to ensure they can take their place in the pantheon of globally important World Heritage Properties,” Noonan said.

Currently, two famous Irish spots managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) hold World Heritage status – Sceilg Mhichíl in Co Kerry and Brú na Bóinne in Co Meath.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
11
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel