NEWGRANGE IS IRELAND’S favourite heritage site, according to the National Heritage Survey.
The Stone Age passage tomb pipped the Cliffs and Moher and Glendalough as the nation’s favourite site, according to the research, which was published ahead of the launch of National Heritage Week, beginning today.
Meath came out on top as the county with the richest heritage, followed by Clare and Kerry. Trinity College was rated the site most worthy of official heritage status according to the research, which was carried out by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical Ireland.
Overall, 26 per cent of respondents frequently visited an Irish heritage site while 10 per cent visited more than ten times a year.
“Over a quarter of those surveyed reported visiting Irish heritage sites frequently, which reiterates the importance of our heritage gems as a valuable tourism resource, not just for overseas tourists but also increasingly for those holidaying at home,” said David Lane, managing director of Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland.
“While the economic climate is set to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future, it is a positive sign that there has been a revival of interest in our country’s past.“
National Heritage Week will run for eight days, with over 1,500 events planned across the country.
This year, the Heritage Council has sought to focus on Ireland’s built heritage, with many houses and sites that were previously closed top the public opening for the first time. These include Freemasons Hall in Dublin, Bracklyn House in Westmeath and Kilpeacon House in Limerick.
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