List of World Heritage sites in the Republic of Ireland

Location of World Heritage sites within Ireland
Newgrange is one of the most important prehistoric megalithic sites in Europe and is also older than Stonehenge and the great pyramids of Giza.

World Heritage sites in Ireland are specific locations that have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Programme list of sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humankind. World Heritage Ireland is responsible for 'cultural' sites as part of their wider responsibility towards the historic environment.

Existing sites

Brú na Bóinne

Located in County Meath, the site is a complex of Neolithic chamber tombs, standing stones, henges and other prehistoric enclosures, some dating from as early as 35th century BC - 32nd century BC. The site predates the Egyptian pyramids and was built with sophistication and a knowledge of science and astronomy, which is most evident in the passage grave of Newgrange. The site is often referred to as the "Bend of the Boyne" and this is often (incorrectly) taken to be a translation of Brú na Bóinne (Palace of the Boyne). It was declared as a World Heritage site in 1993.

Skellig Michael

Situated off the coast of west County Kerry, Skellig Michael was probably founded in the 7th century. For 600 years the island was a centre of monastic life for Irish Christian monks. The Celtic monastery, which is situated almost at the summit of the 230-metre-high rock became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is one of Europe's better known but least accessible monasteries.

Since the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors, the site is exceptionally well preserved. The very spartan conditions inside the monastery illustrate the ascetic lifestyle practiced by early Irish Christians. The monks lived in stone 'beehive' huts (clocháns), perched above nearly vertical cliff walls.

Tentative list

The Ireland tentative list comprises sites which may be nominated for inscription over future years.[1]

  • The Burren (2010)
  • The Historic City of Dublin (2010)
  • The Céide Fields and North West Mayo Boglands (2010)
  • Western Stone Forts of Ireland (2010)
  • The Monastic City of Clonmacnoise and its Cultural Landscape (2010)
  • Early Medieval Monastic Sites of Ireland (2010)
  • The Royal Sites of Ireland: Cashel, Dún Ailinne, Hill of Uisneach, Rathcroghan Complex, and Tara Complex (2010)

See also

References and footnotes

  1. ↑ "Tentative List - Ireland: Short Description of Properties" (PDF). 2010. Retrieved 2015-01-19.
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