Government Institutions

Government institutions dealing with archaeology, except museums, which are listed in another section.

• The NATIONAL MONUMENTS SERVICE of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government is responsible for the care of archaeological and historic monuments in the Republic of Ireland. This website gives basic administrative information, with the more interesting material being on two dedicated websites for archaeology and architecture respectively: see archaeology.ie and Buildings of Ireland. For a guide to visiting National Monuments, see Heritage Ireland below.



• NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT AGENCY - two sections are relevant to archaeology:
  
  • The Archaeological section: Protecting Historic Monuments & Buildings, Archaeological Objects & Wrecks. Information on excavation licences, and the laws regarding Scheduled and State Care Monuments. The Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record and Buildings Database can be searched online.
    
  • The Built Heritage section is responsible for both archaeology and historic architecture. The Agency's website includes Places to Visit, with guides to the main sites open to the public, including virtual tours and details for visiting and of events. There are also interactive maps and historic maps and info about the events on the National Archaeology Days held every summer. A full list of monuments in state care can be downloaded.
  Also on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr
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• The HERITAGE COUNCIL is a statutory body established under the Heritage Act, 1995, to propose policies for protecting and promoting features and places of historical and natural importance. In between all the waffle about 'stakeholders', 'mission' and 'best practice' there is a wealth of information about things to see and do. Under 'Heritage in your area' you can select a county, or you can choose between categories ranging from Archaeology to Wildlife; from Irish Walled Towns to Inland Waterways. There is also information on grants available for projects, and on the publications of the Council, which include topics as diverse as Kildare's hedgerows and Cork's historic ironwork.



• HERITAGE IRELAND, the web-site of the Heritage Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is a guide to archaeological and historic monuments administered by the heritage service, along with other amenities such as parks and waterways. Individual sites can be chosen from a detailed clickable map, or or you can pick a region which interests you. A Heritage Card, giving unlimited admission to more than 60 sites, can be ordered on-line.



• NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND: see under Museums.



• The NATIONAL LIBRARY site provides information about opening hours and facilities, along with information about the various collections. There is also an online catalogue and information on Library publications.



• NATIONAL ARCHIVES, DUBLIN Guide to using the Archives, with some searchable databases, including records of the Ordnance Survey and the Office of Public Works. Also, information on visiting the Archives and obtaining copies of documents.



• BUILDINGS OF IRELAND: the website of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) of Ireland, a section within the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The work of the NIAH involves identifying and recording the architectural heritage of Ireland, from 1700 to the present day. This site is the on-line representation of the survey work of the NIAH. Surveys are presented by county, and consist of a searchable database record and images of each building/structure surveyed. At present there are 5 counties completed and several thousands of images available, these surveys are ongoing and this site will be updated with new survey material regularly.