International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property

Ireland


N.B.: General country data and external links have been provided by the Member State. * Uploaded: 06/2020

General Country data

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

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.


Adhesion to ICCROM

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

Within ICCROM

Mandates in ICCROM Council since 1958:

  • 2006-2013: Grellan D. Rourke
  • 2016-2023: Zoe Reid

ICCROM Staff since 1959: - None -

Involvement of Irish Nationals

Activities in/with Ireland since 2002


Activities details

Activities details


  • 2002 - 1 Mission(s)
  • 2007 - 1 Technical assistance(s)
  • 2009 - 1 Mission(s)
  • 2010 - 1 Mission(s), 1 Technical assistance(s)
  • 2011 - 1 Mission(s)
  • 2018 - 1 Course(s), 1 Mission(s)
  • 2024 - 1 Mission(s), 1 Partnership(s)


External links

National Cultural Institutions


* ICCROM reserves the right to moderate the content provided by Member States for country profiles to ensure that they remain within the scope of ICCROM’s mission and pertinent to cultural heritage. However, ICCROM does not take responsibility for the accuracy and validity of the content supplied. The ideas and opinions expressed are those of the Member States.