Hill of Uisneach moves one step closer to UNESCO World Heritage status
A cluster of six ancient Irish sites, including the Hill of Uisneach in Westmeath, and Rathcroghan, near Tulsk in Roscommon, has this morning (Thursday) been included on Ireland’s 'Tentative List' for UNESCO World Heritage Status.
The six sites on the list have been collectively named The Royal Sites of Ireland.
The Hill of Uisneach, in Loughnavalley, which is billed as the 'Sacred Centre of Ireland' holds a special place in Irish mythology. Rathcroghan, meanwhile, is known as the Ancient Capital of Connacht, where the festival of Samhain (Halloween) is said to originate.
The other four locations on the 'Royal sites' list are: Emain Macha in Armagh; Dún Ailinne in The Curragh, Kildare; the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary; and the Hill of Tara in Meath.
In a statement today, Westmeath County Council explained that the application for inclusion on Ireland's Tentative List for World Heritage Status had been made in June 2021.
"In line with UNESCO guidelines, a site must first be on its State’s Tentative List before it can be considered eligible to move forward with a bid for World Heritage Status. Being on the Tentative List is the first step in a long process," the council explained.
A site must be on the Tentative List for at least one year before work can formally begin on a World Heritage nomination, and inclusion on the Tentative List does not guarantee that the site will be deemed worthy of a World Heritage designation.
According to UNESCO, World Heritage Sites are places considered to be "of outstanding universal value to humanity," which must be "protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy."
So far only two locations in Ireland have achieved World Heritage status - Sceilg Mhichíl in Kerry and the three main prehistoric sites of the Brú na Bóinne Complex; Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.
Reacting to the announcement that the Hill of Uisneach and the other Royal Sites were on Ireland's Tentative List, the Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, said: "Today's announcement is good news for Westmeath and for each of the counties within which the Royal Sites are situated.
"Inclusion on the Tentative List is an important and encouraging first step towards what we hope will ultimately lead to achieving UNESCO World Heritage Status."
The council's CEO, Pat Gallagher, also welcomed the news, saying it had come after "many months of work and collaboration" between the relevant local authorities, the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, and the World Heritage Expert Advisory Group.
"We look forward to working with landowners, with the Department and with all the relevant stakeholders in the coming months as we work towards nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Status," said Mr Gallagher.
Further information on the Royal Sites is available at: www.royalsites.ie