Community groups in Carlow and Kilkenny are being encouraged to apply to join the Heritage Council’s Adopt a Monument scheme which 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.
Rathbeagh Ringfort near Freshford in Kilkenny was ‘adopted’ by The Acorn Project Collaboration, with the support of the landowner, in 2024 and they want to celebrate and preserve both the natural and cultural heritage of this site, to find out more about it and the people who lived here so long ago, and to link it into the wider heritage landscape of north Kilkenny.
While St Molings Millrace, St Mullins in Carlow was ‘adopted’ by the St. Mullins Amenity and Recreational Tourism Group in 2017 and they and worked on projects to raise awareness about the site. St Molings Millrace is a stream leading to a historic mill, which according to local tradition and folklore was dug by the saint using only his hands when he founded the monastery here in the seventh century. Undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most important religious and heritage sites, the ecclesiastical complex at St Mullins is of great significance. The large ditch-like earthwork known as St. Moling’s Millrace may represent the remains of an early medieval mill system.
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 Heritage Council is now calling for interested groups to apply for the scheme. The closing date for applications 21st March 2025. Further information about the scheme and the application process can be found here: https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/projects/aam
