Archaeological Heritage
What is Archaeology?
Archaeology is the study of the past through the collection and investigation of monuments and artefacts.
Cork has a wide and magnificent range of archaeological sites that date back over 9000 years ago. These sites include: prehistoric tombs, mines, ritual sites, Early Christian Ringforts and monasteries, medieval castles, churches, and abbeys.
Monuments
There are over 19,000 archaeological sites identified in County Cork. The National Monuments Service (NMS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are responsible to the management and protection of our archaeological heritage. All known monuments are identified in the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) which is available online at www.archaeology.ie. All new sites should be reported to the NMS. This can be done by filling in and returning the relevant form.
Artefacts
The vast majority of artefacts are found during the course of an archaeological excavation, and are stored or displayed in designated museums. All archaeological excavations are carried out under licence from the National Monuments Service. A database containing summary accounts of all the excavations carried out in Ireland from 1970 is available Excavations.ie.
Cork City & County Museums and the National Museum of Ireland have a wide collection of artefacts found in the County of Cork. All archaeological objects that come to light belong to the State and should be reported to the National Museum of Ireland or a designated local museum within 96 hours of the discovery.
Protection of Archaeological Heritage
All monuments are protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004. This Act, as amended, together with other archaeological legislation and advice is available to view here. The Planning and Development Act, 2000 - 2010, as amended, also allows for the protection of archaeological heritage.
The main method of protection is through the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) which was established under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994. Two months notification of any works at or to a Recorded monument to the Minister of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht is required under this legislation.
A number of monuments are designated National Monuments, these tend to be in State or Local Authority ownership/guardianship or are subject to a preservation order. Cork County has 168 sites designated as National Monuments (available to view here). Ministerial Consent is required for any works at, or close, to a National Monument. Notification and Ministerial Consent forms are available here.
With its extensive coastline and waterways, Cork has a rich underwater archaeological heritage. Wrecks over 100 years old and archaeological objects found underwater are protected under law.
It is illegal to dig or dive for archaeological objects anywhere in the state or its territorial seas without the written consent of the Minister.
Cork County Council is committed to the protection of the county’s archaeological heritage through our wide range of activities and our various policies and objectives in the County Development Plan, Local Area Plans, Building Conservation programme, Heritage Plan projects and other strategic documents.
Archaeology and the Planning process
All planning applications are screened and assessed for impact on the known archaeological sites and their Zones of Archaeological Potential. This is the area where there is potential subsurface archaeology. If your proposed site is archaeologically sensitive, you may be required to employ an archaeologist to carry out an archaeological impact assessment or to monitor the ground works.
You can contact the County Archaeologist for preplanning advice. Cork County Council may attach conditions related to archaeology to individual planning permissions on the recommendation of the County Archaeologist and the National Monuments Service.
Where can I contact an archaeologist?
The Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland have a directory of archaeologists available on their website.
Archaeology and Education
Cork County Council encourages the promotion of, and education about, the archaeological heritage of the county. The educational resource Archaeology in the Classroom provides lessons on all aspects of archaeological heritage for both primary and secondary schools. It is available online at Archaeology in the Classroom.
There are a number of heritage specialists in Cork that are willing to come to a school under the Heritage in Schools Scheme, which is run by the Heritage Council.
Historic Graveyards
The vast majority of historic graveyards are associated with medieval churches. These are in the care of Cork County Council or Church bodies, and are protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-1994.
Historic Monuments Advisory Committee (HMAC)
The HMAC was established under the National Monuments Act 1930 for the purpose of providing advice and assistance in the preservation and protection of archaeological monuments in every county in Ireland. It is composed of Elected Members, invited specialists and relevant Local Authority officers. The group is involved in a wide range of activities and steers and advise the Council’s Conservation Works Team who have successful completed a number of conservation projects. These projects will ensure the long term preservation of important medieval buildings. Recent works include Bridgetown Abbey, Ballyhea, Kildorrery and St Mologga Church.
Selection of Archaeological sites accessible to visit in for each Municipal District (MD)
Kanturk/ Mallow MD
Ballybeg Augustinian Abbey
Buttevant Franciscan Abbey
Mallow Castle, house & demesne
Kanturk Castle
Tullylease Church, holy well and cross slabs
Liscarroll Castle
Kilbolane Castle
Historic town of Newmarket
Historic town of Buttevant
Historic town of Mallow
Fermoy MD
Bridgetown Augustinian Abbey, Castletownroche
Aghacross church, Kildorrery
Brigown Church and Holy well, Mitchelstown
Ballynoe Church
Kildorrery Church
Killeenemer church, Fermoy
Castlelyons Dominican abbey and Church
Conna Castle
Coole churches and Holy well, Castlelyons
Labbacalee wedge tomb, Glanworth
Labbamologa Church and grave slabs
Doneraile House and demesne
Glanworth Castle Abbey & bridge
Corrin Hillfort and Cairn, Fermoy
Historic town of Fermoy
Historic town of Charleville
West Cork MD
Drombeg stone circle, Glandore
Kealkill stone circle
Killnaurane Pillar stone, Bantry
Knockdrum stone fort, Castletownshend
Altar wedge tomb, Skull
Franciscan Abbey, Sherkin island
Franciscan Abbey, Timoleague
Allihes Mining landscape – Museum trail around, engine houses, magazines and mining village
Abbeystrewery Church and graveyard, Skibbereen
Kinneagh Round tower, Castletownkinneagh
Ballinacarriga Castle, Dunmanway
St Ciaráns Church, Cape Clear
Historic town of Rosscarberry
Historic town of Skibbereen
Historic town of Clonakilty
Blarney /Macroom MD
Kilcrea Franciscan Abbey, Ovens
Carrigadrohid bridge
Ballyvourney monastery, church, holy well, huts, pilgrimage
Blarney Castle
Cahervagliar Fort, Cappeen
Knocknakilla Stone Circle, Millstreet
Historic town of Macroom
Bandon /Kinsale MD
Charles fort, Kinsale
James fort, Kinsale
Fort Camden Meagher, Crosshaven
Signal tower, Old Head of Kinsale
Historic town of Bandon
Historic town of Kinsale
Historic town of Innishannon
Cobh MD
Fort Mitchel Spike island, Cobh
Barryscourt Castle, Carrigtowhill
Clonmel Church and Graveyard, Cobh
Doonpeter Graveyard, Glenville
East Cork MD
Kilceedan Church, Castlemartyr
Cloyne Catherdral and round tower
Castlemartyr Castle and house
Historic town of Castlemartyr
Historic town of Midelton
Historic town of Cloyne
Historic towns Youghal
Ballincollig /Carrigaline MD
Ballincollig Gun Powder Mills
Kilmurry Graveyard, Passage West
Curraghbinny Cairn.