A guide to Ireland’s UNESCO-listed heritage sites, geoparks and cultural traditions

Many destinations in the world are often branded 'rich' with heritage, but for the island of Ireland, this statement couldn't be truer. Its strong Celtic roots have shaped the country's language, music and traditions over thousands of years, and there are Neolithic sites that pre-date the Pyramids of Giza. Its rugged landscapes are also home to natural heritage highlights, from fossil-filled cliffs to ancient caves that have existed for centuries. Here, we take a closer look at the Republic of Ireland's UNESCO recognitions, from World Heritage Sites and Global Geoparks to Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity listings.

Ireland's two World Heritage Sites

Better known as the Boyne Valley Tombs, Brú na Bóinne became Ireland’s first World Heritage Site in 1993. Located 40km north of Dublin on the bend of the River Boyne, this archaeological site isn’t just the most significant in Ireland, but also said to be ‘Europe's largest and most important concentration of prehistoric megalithic art’. Its three great burial mounds (or tombs) – Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth – dominate the ancient landscape and were thought to be constructed 5,000 years ago. Visitors must pre-book tickets before travelling, and while here, can gain a greater understanding of Neolithic culture at the interactive Visitor Centre.  

This World Heritage Site was inscribed in 1996 due to being one of the country’s earliest religious settlement, unique from anything else seen. Also called Skellig Michael or the Great Skellig, this staggering rocky island (or crag) is located just off County Kerry on the mainland and is one of Europe’s most westerly sacred sites. At the summit of the rock is the 6^th-centruy St Fionan’s monastery, where Christian monks used to pray. They also lived here, in beehive-shaped huts made of stone, many of which remain well-preserved today. During the summer months, visitors can book onto a tour to visit this difficult-to-reach island, and those with decent fitness can follow in the footsteps of the monks and climb the 618 steps to reach the remains of the outstanding monastery.

Ireland's three Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity listings 

Thought bagpipes were only associated with Scotland? You’d be wrong. Uilleann pipes – also known as Irish bagpipes – date back several generations and are deeply rooted in Ireland’s musical heritage. There’s still a strong presence of this traditional instrument in Irish communities today, and is usually played on special occasions, such as weddings. To safeguard the uilleann pipes, a group was formed in 1968 to preserve the instrument for future generations. They are called the Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU) and have been responsible for the growth of the instrument and its music in modern times.

Dating back 2,000 years to the Celtic and featuring heavily in Irish mythology – most notably the saga of Cú Chulainn – Hurling (or Camogie if played by women) is a field game played between two teams. It shares similarities with Gaelic football and at first glance looks like hockey, but the stick used has a wide, flat, oval-shaped end. Traditionally, the amount of team players were unregulated, but official adult games in this modern age are made up 15 people. The best place to go to see a game live is Dublin’s Croke Park, an 80,000-seat stadium and home of the Gaelic Athletic Association.

A second instrument was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2019. This time, it’s the harp. The captivating strings have been played in Ireland for more than 1,000 years, and its music is celebrated in Irish folklore, literature, and mythology. Although no rules, it is mainly played by female musicians, and a growing interest in the past sixty years has seen a resurgence of harp playing among Irish communities. The best time to visit Ireland and experience live harp playing is during Lá na Cruite (Harp Day), when hundreds of concerts and events are put on across the country.

Ireland's three UNESCO Global Geoparks

Stretching from Tramore to Dungarvan in County Waterford, this relatively small area was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark mainly due to its 19^th-century copper mining heritage. The six local communities who live within the boundaries of the Copper Coast have all contributed to the establishment of the geopark, encouraging sustainable, environmental, and cultural tourism. The coastline’s geology dates back more than 400-million years, with its highlights being the volcanic rock that hosts the copper, and glacial sculpted landscapes. Those interested in exploring the cultural heritage of the landscape can also find church ruins, Neolithic tombs and Iron age forts, as well as the refurbished Tankardstown Engine House. The Geopark Visitor Centre can be found within a renovated church, and offers interesting educational exhibits.

With dramatic sea cliffs, fossil-rich limestone karsts and networks of sea caves, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark covers 530 sq km of Ireland’s west coast. This wild landscape – most of which is more than 100m above sea level –  is home to rare habitats and unique vegetation, as well as human history dating back more than 6,000 years. One of it’s most popular natural formations can be found inside Doolin Cave, where one of the world’s longest free-hanging stalactites can be found. Farming is one of the main industries inside the geopark, and visitors can experience this through Farm Heritage Tours or by following the Burren Food Trail.

The world’s first cross-border geopark can be found in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark (formerly Marble Arch Caves Geopark) is established in both County Fermanagh and County Cavan, with its glaciated landscape encompassing forest-blanketed uplands, large u-shaped valleys and large lakes. Visitors can take boat tours in the lakes and its caves, go hill walking in the mountains, and witness the breathtaking views from the Cliffs of Magho viewpoint. There’s also a selection of historic relics – including 17^th-century castles – dotted across its landscape, many of which have good public access.

You may also like:

Fairytale castle stays in Ireland

A guide to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Quiz: How well do you know Ireland?