Natural Heritage
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Site developed and maintained
by Clare County Library

The Heritage of County Clare

Clare Heritage Office

Our sense of heritage is intrinsically linked to our sense of identity. R.S. Thomas portrays this as “we only know who we are by knowing where we are. A particular place creates around us a unique culture, that gives us not only our identity, but also our vision and values.” Our values and understanding of heritage will inform our actions in the future.

The Heritage Act, 1995, defines heritage for the first time as including the following thirteen elements: - monuments, archaeological objects, heritage objects, architectural heritage, flora, fauna, wildlife habitats, landscapes, seascapes, wrecks, geology, inland waterways, heritage gardens and parks.

In addition, the Clare Heritage Forum has recommended that elements of cultural heritage, such as genealogy, placenames, the Irish language, traditional music and oral history recording should also be included in the Clare Heritage Plan 2011-2017.

County Clare has a rich heritage tradition and resource. The natural and built heritage of the county is vast, it represents unique features as well as many of the best examples of their kind in the country and further afield.

The challenge is to allow for change while retaining the character and quality and the integrity of the landscapes and seascapes for all to enjoy.