DECEMBER 2006

Free seminar on the hidden heritage in historic graveyards

The County Donegal Heritage Office and the Roads and Transportation Directorate of Donegal County Council have organised a free half-day seminar on the 'Care & Conservation of Historic Graveyards' in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Railway Road in Buncrana for Saturday 16th December.

The aim of the seminar is to raise awareness of the natural, built and cultural heritage in historic graveyards across the county and to promote best practice in the management, care and maintenance of these graveyards. The free seminar is funded by Donegal County Council.

There are over 130 graveyards, 10 graveyard sites, 26 children's burial grounds and 9 cemeteries on the Record of Monuments & Places. This means that they are afforded protection under the National Monuments Acts (1930-2004).

In addition to that, there are 67 churches (many of which are in ruins), 3 chapels, 5 friaries, 2 abbeys and 23 church sites also listed on the Record of Monuments & Places and protected by law. "Burial grounds are sites of heritage, cultural, religious and personal interest to members of the public. As such, they provide an ideal opportunity to engage the public in natural, built and cultural heritage management at the local level," explained Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer. "Like Donegal County Council, many community and ecclesiastical groups are involved in managing historic graveyards on the Record of Monuments and Places. There is a need to raise awareness of the natural, built and cultural heritage in historic graveyards so that community groups are equipped to employ best conservation practice in their activities in order that the protection afforded these sites under the National Monuments Acts is observed."

Actions such as straightening headstones, using herbicides, repairing stone walls and ruins with cement mortar, pulling ivy off buildings and even cleaning headstones can do untold damage to the heritage in graveyards we seek to protect and celebrate.

Guest speakers include Caimin O'Brien from the Archaeological Survey of Ireland who will be outlining the 'Dos and Don'ts of Graveyard Maintenance' and talking about recording graveyard inscriptions and explaining symbols found on headstones and gravestones. Ralph Sheppard from the Donegal Biodiversity Project will identify the best way to care for flora, fauna and wildlife habitats found in abundance in historic graveyards. John Cronin, from John Cronin & Associates, will outline best practice in terms of conserving architectural and ecclesiastical ruins in graveyards. Finally, Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer, will provide an overview of the management of the 30 historic graveyards in the ownership/care of Donegal County Council and identify possible sources of funding.

Cllr. Ian McGarvey, Chairman of the County Donegal Heritage Forum, will open the free seminar which will take place from 9.30am - 1.30pm. The seminar is free but booking is required. Contact Mary McDaid at Donegal County Council by phone at 074 9121968, by email at library@donegalcoco.ie or complete one of the booking forms in the seminar brochures available at all libraries, public services centres, museums, heritage centres or on-line at www.donegalcoco.ie

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