Arra Historical and Archaeological Society recognised for exceptional work under Heritage Council’s Adopt a Monument Scheme

Community groups around Ireland are encouraged to apply to join The Heritage Council’s Adopt a Monument scheme.

This scheme is all about empowering local communities to become involved in the care and conservation of a much-loved local monument. The Adopt a Monument scheme offers communities expertise, mentoring and support to help them to care for their local heritage. Working in partnership with communities and state bodies, the scheme helps to ensure the sustainable future of the adopted monuments.

Since the scheme first began in 2016, 25 groups across Ireland have ‘adopted’ monuments in their locality ranging from an enigmatic prehistoric site to 19th century industrial buildings to medieval churches as well as a Gaelic castle.

This also includes Siobhán Geraghty and Derek Ryan from Arra Historical and Archaeological Society who recently received an award in recognition of their work under the Adopt A Monument Programme. The Graves of the Leinstermen is an enigmatic prehistoric site with an evocative name overlooking Lough Derg. Since it was adopted by Arra Historical and Archaeological Society, projects to understand more about the site and raise awareness about it locally have been carried out, including a detailed geophysical survey, which tells us more about what is going on beneath the soil at this site.

All over Ireland there is an incredible variety of heritage sites, including ancient tombs, stone circles, early monasteries, castles, churches and graveyards, landed estates, mines, kilns, mills, traditional houses and battlefields. The Adopt a Monument Scheme takes a very broad view of heritage and is open to applications from enthusiastic community groups all over Ireland to apply to the scheme to adopt a site that is important to them. The aim is that the chosen monument will serve as a focal point for heritage-related, educational and recreational activities and will encourage greater appreciation and understanding of local heritage.

Speaking in support of the scheme Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, at the Heritage Council, said:

“The Adopt a Monument Scheme is a wonderful way of ensuring our monuments remain an integral part of a community. Maintaining them and caring for them requires much-needed expertise and resources which is exactly what the scheme provides. We can already see the positive effect the scheme has had on the areas where a monument was adopted, and the pride of place and increased civic value brought about the efforts of our dedicated community groups is very satisfying to see.”

The Adopt a Monument Scheme is managed by Abarta Heritage on behalf of The Heritage Council. The closing date for applications 13th November 2023. Further information about the scheme and the application process can be found here.

AGM

Note, meanwhile, that Arra Historical & Archaeological Society’s AGM takes place on Thursday, October 26, at 8pm in Reidy’s of Newtown. This is our main meeting of the year for anyone that wishes to get involved or propose new projects. If anyone is interested in joining or becoming involved with the Society you are very welcome. We will be discussing potential lectures for the coming year. If anyone has any suggestions for lectures or if anyone has a topic they would like to talk about themselves let us know.