The main cultural assets of Ireland

Ireland’s diverse heritage forms part of the nation’s very identity, through its landscapes, it historic environment and its cultural traditions and art. Irish cultural heritage is renowned internationally, nurtured by a diaspora of millions.

The legal framework on cultural heritage conservation

Ireland has a long history of robust legislation protecting its heritage, with 2019 marking the 150th anniversary of the first legislation dealing with protection of key heritage sites. The relevant legislative Acts related to the protection and conservation of Ireland’s cultural heritage are:

• The National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997;
  
• The National Archives Acts, 1986, 2018;
  
• The National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) Act 2015;
  
• The Chester Beatty Act, 1986;
  
• The National Monument Acts 1930 - 2014;
  
• National Gallery of Ireland Acts, 1854 and 1963;
  
• The National Heritage Acts, 1986, 2018.
  

The relevant legislative Acts related to the protection of Ireland’s architectural heritage are:

• The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), giving effect to the Council of Europe’s Granada Convention. Ireland has in excess of 45 000 protected structures.
  
• The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) was given statutory footing by the Architectural Inventory (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1999.
  

In 2018, Ireland ratified the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict: Protection of Cultural Property in the event of Armed Conflict (Hague Convention) Act, 2017.

Intangible Cultural Heritage
In 2015 Ireland ratified the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and subsequently developed Ireland’s National Inventory of ICH. Ireland has secured the inscription of a number of its living cultural heritage on the UNESCO Representative List of ICH of Humanity: Uilleann Piping, Hurling and Irish Harping.

The Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI)
MSPI was established by the Heritage Council to benchmark and promote professional standards in the care of collections and to recognise through accreditation the achievement of those standards within the Irish museum sector.

The cultural sites on the World Heritage List

Ireland has two cultural properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Sceilg Mhichíl, Co. Kerry; and Brú na Bóinne, Co. Meath.

Ireland is a Member State of ICCROM since 22/12/1986

Mandates in ICCROM Council since 1958:

ICCROM Staff since 1959: - None -

National Cultural Institutions

• National Archives of Ireland
  
• National Library of Ireland
  
• National Museum of Ireland
  
• National Gallery of Ireland
  
• Chester Beatty Library
  
• Irish Museum of Modern Art
  
• National Concert Hall
  
• Crawford Art Gallery
  
• Irish Architectural Archive
  

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