Offaly site to be added to World Heritage Tentative List for Ireland

THE Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland, which includes Birr Castle and Demense, have been added to the World Heritage Tentative List for Ireland. This important step for Ireland’s Heritage was made on World Heritage Day, the international Day for Monuments and Sites on Friday last.

In making the announcement, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD, Minister of State with Responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, TD, said this is proposed as a cross-border partnership comprising Armagh Planetarium and Observatory, Armagh; Birr Castle and Demesne, Offaly; and Dunsink Observatory House, Dublin. The Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland becomes the fourth entry on Ireland’s Tentative List. The other three are: The Neolithic Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo; The Transatlantic Cable Ensemble (Kerry and Canada) the Royal Sites of Ireland, covering several sites on the island.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Tentative List is an inventory of important natural and cultural heritage sites that demonstrate potential “Outstanding Universal Value”.

Speaking about the addition to the Tentative List, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said: “Increasing the number of UNESCO World Heritage Properties is a heritage commitment in our Programme for Government. This addition of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland to the Tentative List is the first formal step on an exciting journey towards World Heritage inscription for three remarkable observatories.

“These places of trailblazing scientific endeavour epitomise historical collaboration across the island. They showcase our remarkable heritage on the global stage, and the journey of this project in the years will strengthen North-South cooperation greatly with shared benefits for these places and their communities.”

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The Astronomical Observatories of Ireland (AOI) welcomed the announcement that the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) Dunsink Observatory, and Birr Castle Demesne have been added to Ireland's Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Properties. This is an important first step in the journey towards seeking their designation, together with Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland, as a World Heritage Property. Achieving this would elevate the observatories to a status comparable to other iconic landmarks already recognised by UNESCO on the island - Brú na Bóinne, County Meath, Sceilg Mhichíl, Co. Kerry, and the Giant's Causeway and Gracehill Moravian Church Settlement in Co. Antrim.

The AOI partnership announced its aspirations to seek World Heritage status at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the partners in September 2023. This proposed transboundary bid between Ireland and the UK seeks to secure international recognition and protection for the sites of the three members of the partnership – Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) - Dunsink Observatory, and Birr Castle Demesne.

Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) who is a custodian of Dunsink Observatory said: “Securing a place on the Irish Government’s Tentative List for achieving UNESCO World Heritage status is a fantastic recognition of the observatories’ unique, historical heritage and very apt on this World Heritage Day. We thank the Minister and the Department for their vision and endorsement of the importance of these astronomical sites, and for their future support of the nomination bid. We also acknowledge the support of our three local authorities – Fingal County Council, Offaly County Council, and Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, each of whom has embraced the significance and value of the observatory in their area.”

“In all three locations, the sites play a major role in the community through public engagement events and outreach programmes. Designation as a World Heritage Property would no doubt increase local pride as well as encouraging tourism for the areas in question – enriching the lives of the neighbouring communities, and beyond. We will work closely with these communities and other stakeholders as our UNESCO journey progresses.”

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