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Built Heritage
Clare Archaeology
(Clare County Library's comprehensive coverage
of the archaeology of County Clare.)
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of Clare
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Architecture
County Clare possesses a wealth of built heritage in the form of historical
and archaeological remains, including some of the best examples of early
human settlements in Europe. 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.
Built Heritage and Architectural Policy
website
For further information on Record of Protected Structures (PS) and Architectural
Conservation Areas (ACA) in County Clare see
Volume
4 of the County Development Plan
and
Appendix
3 of Written Statement Volume 1 for Architectural Conservation Areas in
County Clare.
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. 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. The Burrenbeo
Trust operate the Field Monument Programme, this scheme allows for an
archaeologist to visit landowners and advise them about the monuments
on their lands.
For further details of the Field Monument Advisor Scheme see
www.burrenbeo.com
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.
See
Heritage publications
for a list of the Built Heritage Surveys undertaken as part of the Clare
Heritage Plan including The Clare Coastal Architectural Heritage Survey,
Survey of the Industrial Heritage of County Clare, County Clare Thatched
Building Survey, Cottage Survey, and
Rian
na Manach - a guided tour of ecclesiastical treasures in Co. Clare
and for the associated iphone App see
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clare-ecclesiastical-trails/id402159308?mt=8
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.
There are approximately 170 graveyards in Clare County Council ownership
and many more throughout the County including Killeen’s or children’s
burial grounds. The Clare Library Service have copies of “A Church
and Graveyard Survey of County Clare” to view.
Department
of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht website
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