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Architecture
County Clare possesses a wealth of built heritage in the form of historical
and archaeological remains. The built environment of today will form
the built heritage of tomorrow, in the same way as the building styles
of the past have given an identity to the towns and villages in the County.
Architecture is a dynamic entity which may need to adjust to meet the
needs of the current and future generations. Buildings have a practical
role in shaping a positive future for County Clare and should be viewed
as one of the many assets that make the County an attractive place in
which to live, work and visit.
 National
Inventory of Architectural Heritage
For further information on Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and
Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA) in County Clare see
Volume
1 Clare County Development Plan 2017 - 2023: Written Statement
- Appendix 4 Architectural Conservation Areas in County Clare
Volume
4 Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023: Record of Protected Structures Archaeology
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.
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 Burrenbeo
Trust operates the Field Monument Programme, this scheme allows for
an archaeologist to visit landowners and advise them about the monuments
on their lands.
There are approximately 7,500 known archaeological sites and many more
yet undiscovered. A recorded monument is regarded as a national monument,
the preservation of which is a matter of national importance by reason
of historic, archaeological tradition, artistic or architectural interest.
Heritage publications
A list of the Built Heritage Surveys undertaken as part of the
Clare Heritage Plan, e.g. The Clare Coastal Architectural Heritage
Survey,
Survey of the Industrial Heritage of County Clare, County Clare Thatched
Building Survey and Cottage Survey.
Rian
na Manach - a guided tour of ecclesiastical treasures in Co. Clare
This guided tour of ecclesiastical treasures in County Clare is a heritage
information booklet which has been converted into a free downloadable
iPhone / iPad application for visitors to 33 early Christian, medieval
and celtic ecclesiastical buildings in County Clare. It is the first
initiative of its kind to be launched in the county and features 33 church
heritage sites across four trails throughout County Clare which are supported
by text and photographs. These sites highlight the historical background
to Clare's rich ecclesiastical heritage. The application is available
to download from the iPhone App Store: Download
the Clare Ecclesiastical Trails app
Monuments
There are 42 monuments in State Care in Clare. The Archaeology Inventory
of County Clare is continually being updated and for further information
on recorded monuments see:
National Monuments Services website.
Graveyards There are approximately 170 graveyards in Clare County Council ownership
and many more throughout the County including cillíns or children’s
burial grounds. See:
A
Church and Graveyard Survey of County Clare.
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