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The Burren tops the list of our most favourite heritage sites
in a survey commissioned to mark National Heritage Week 2010.
The most historically important heritage site accolade went
to the GPO in Dublin. It was the only 20th-century relevant
site to make the list. Newgrange succeeded as heritage property
of preference.
The findings suggest that Irish people prefer earlier heritage
sites - such as medieval, early Christian and ancient heritage
sites - over later period properties. The results found that
people are not satisfied with the levels of heritage experienced
by children and that greater promotion of heritage is required.
Specialist insurer of heritage property Ecclesiastical
Insurance commissioned the survey. Managing director
Ronan Foley said - "The results suggest that, while the public
do have an interest in their heritage, they are less aware
of their own local heritage sites and more likely to visit
a high profile location."
The survey found that while people see heritage as critically
important to tourism, very few could express an opinion on
their level of satisfaction at the work being done to preserve
heritage, with 45% of respondents answering 'don’t know'.
"We, as a country, seem to have a love affair with castles
- but, yet, do not identify these as significant symbols of
our heritage, ranking only fourth behind the top listed round
towers and monastic sites as most iconic of Ireland’s historical
past.
"Among the leading sites on our list of favourites there
was no real surprises, although the omission of the Giant’s
Causeway on our favourite lists was a surprise. Its appearance
as close second on the ‘most embarrassed not to have visited’
list suggests people do see it as significant Irish heritage
site, but many have not taken the journey north," he said.
Top five favourite Irish heritage sites and landmarks
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1. The Burren (12%)
2. Newgrange (11%)
3. Cliffs of Moher (8%)
4. Glendalough (7%)
5. Hill of Tara (5%).
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