Gordon Bennett Race Heritage Videos – ‘How Ireland Saved Motor Sport’

The Gordon Bennett Race took place on a closed circuit chosen within the counties of Carlow, Kildare and Laois. On this the 120 anniversary of the original race, the heritage offices of each of respective County Councils came together to tell the story of this race and ‘How Ireland Saved Motor Sport’ came to fruition. The project was funded by the Heritage Council and launched by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan in Visual Carlow on Friday 16 June 2023. The video was researched and produced by Bailey and Blake Video Productions. The videos can be viewed by follow the links below:

How Ireland saved Motorsport part 1

How Ireland Saved Motorsport part 2

The Community Heritage Scheme 2023

The Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2023 is now open to receive applications : Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2023 | The Heritage Council
Applications are made online through the Heritage Council’s website and the closing date is Monday 20 February 2023 at 5pm.

The overall allocation to the scheme is €1.5million in 2023. The set minimum grant request is €2,000 and an increased maximum to €25,000. The scheme is open to: voluntary and community groups including not for profit trusts; heritage-related non-governmental organisations (NGO’s); Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI) participants; Adopt a Monument Programme participants and Second and Third level educational bodies (excludes private institutions).

The types of projects covered by this scheme are:
– Access and Inclusion
– Traditional Building, Craft Skills, and Biodiversity Training Events/Workshops
– Development of Digital Heritage Resources
– Conservation surveys, reports, plans, and audits that will inform the future management of places, collections, or objects (including buildings)
– Conservation works to places, collections, or objects (including buildings)
– Purchase of specialised equipment or items that support the conservation or improves access to buildings.

Should community groups have queries/questions or want to talk through potential applications, please contact Carlow Heritage Officer – [email protected]

COMMUNITY MONUMENTS FUND 2022

Applications are invited for the Community Monuments Fund 2023 (CMF 2023)
The aim of the Community Monuments Fund are the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments. The grants available in 2023 will help custodians and owners of archaeological monuments safeguard them into the future for the benefit of local communities and the visiting public.
The CMF 2023 fund (totalling €6 million) will enable conservation works to be carried out on monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support; build resilience on our monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change and encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation. In addition, they will provide support for heritage professionals and job opportunities in building conservation and other traditional skills.

Funds are available through 3 streams:
Stream 1 – for essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments (grants offered up to €100,000/ exceptional cases up to €125,000).
Stream 2 – for development of Conservation Management Plans/ Reports to identify necessary measures for the conservation of archaeological monuments and any issues requiring further attention (grants offered up to €30,000).
Stream 3 – for enhance of access infrastructure and interpretation at archaeological monuments, including development of virtual/online interpretative material (grants offered up to €30,000).
The CMF provides funding for projects in relation to
• Archaeological Monuments that are included in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) under the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended).
• Archaeological Monuments that are identified in the Sites and Monuments Record compiled by the National Monuments Service.

Eligible projects will be drawn from the following categories
• Projects proposed by a Local Authority in relation to archaeological monuments in public ownership, where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated.
• Projects proposed by a Local Authority on foot of application from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of relevant archaeological monuments where these is a tangible public benefit.
• Projects with a clearly defined heritage focus and community or public benefit proposed directly to the Department by a State-funded organisation working in the heritage area.

Full details and application forms are available below:

CMF 2023: Circular (English) – (click to download)
CMF 2023: Application form (English) – (click to download)
CMF 2023: Circular (Irish) – (click to download)
CMF 2023: Application form (Irish) – (click to download)

Applications by private owners or community groups for funding under the CMF 2022 must be made to the Heritage Office, Carlow County Council, Presentation Building, Tullow Street, Carlow by Tuesday 2nd February 2023.

Queries should be addressed to Carlow Heritage Officer – [email protected]

HISTORIC STRUCTURE FUND 2023

Carlow County Council in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are inviting application for the Historic Structures Fund 2023. All applicants are advised to read the circular, the guidance application form, the guidance booklet for applicants that outline the details of the scheme and particulars required for all applications (see below). The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Thursday 26th January 2023.

The Historic Structures Fund 2022 is designed to help the owners and custodians of historic structures to safeguard them into the future. The fund is designed to deal with conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the broader benefit of communities and the public. The fund is structured as:
Stream 1 – Grants for essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment works and conservation of heritage structures (€15,000-€50,000).
Stream 1 (sub-stream) – Historic Shopfronts sub-stream to incentivise the conservation of historic shopfronts. Local Authorities are also invited to make an additional application for Irish-language shopfronts.
Stream 2– small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where: a. A clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or b. A clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (such projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary).
Vernacular Structures Stream – The purpose of the stream is to support conservation repairs and small capital works to vernacular structures that are not listed in local authority Records of Protected Structures or otherwise legally protected. Grants are available ranging from €5,000-€10,000.

The HSF qualifying structures: Structures in the Record of Protected Structures; Structures eligible for/ proposed for inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures; Structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA’s) or within the amenity of a National Monument (in exceptional circumstances).

Historic Structures Fund 2023 Circular (click to download)
Historic Structures Fund 2023 Guidance booklet for applicants (click to download)
Historic Structures Fund 2023 Guidance application form (click to download)
Historic Structures Fund 2023 Application Form A (click to download)
BHIS and HSF 2023 – Frequently Asked Questions (click to download)

Queries in relation to this grant scheme should be addressed to [email protected]

BUILT HERITAGE INVESTMENT SCHEME 2023

Carlow County Council in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are inviting application for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2022. All applications are advised to read the circular, the guidance application form, the guidance booklet for applicants that outline the details of the scheme and particulars required for all applications (see below). outlining the details of the scheme and the closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Thursday 26th January 2023.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme is designed as a support to owners and custodians in caring for our built heritage and ensuring that it is protected into the future. The fund is designed to assist with the repair and conservation of structures that are protected under the Planning and Development Acts. In certain cases, the scheme also supports the conservation of structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) where, in the opinion of the local authority, a need for works to enhance the character and appearance of an ACA has been demonstrated. The primary purpose of the scheme is to support privately owned properties in need of repair and conservation.
Eligible Structures: Protected structures (RPS); Proposed Protected Structures; Structure in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs), or within the amenity of a National Monument, where exceptional circumstances are deemed by the Department to apply.

BHIS 2023 Circular (click to download)
BHIS 2023 Guidance booklet for applicants (click to download)
BHIS 2023 Guidance application form (click to download)
BHIS 2023 Application Form A (click to download)
BHIS and HSF 2023 – Frequently Asked Questions (click to download)

Queries in relation to this grant scheme should be addressed to [email protected]

Carlow Heritage Plan 2023-2028 – Consultation

Pre-draft Consultation for the Carlow Heritage Plan 2023-2028 will commence Monday 14 November until Tuesday 22 December 2022. The pre-draft consultation will commence with the first of three online facilitated workshops on Monday 14th November from 2pm -3:30pm and be followed by a series of online facilitated workshops and drop-in workshops/ engagement meetings as well as discussions with heritage groups around the County.
The pre-draft consultation stage is open for engagement and written submission are welcomed until 22nd December 2022.
The draft Heritage Plan written with the assistance of the Carlow Heritage Forum (convened May 2022) and drawing upon the feedback from the pre-draft consultation, will be brought forward for public consultation by mid-2023. This will be widely advertised through www.carlowlibraries.ie/heritage, social media platforms and local newspapers.

The Carlow Heritage Plan will address all aspects of heritage within the County, namely built (e.g. built and archaeological), natural (e.g. landforms, geology, geomorphology, biodiversity) cultural heritage (e.g. cultural objects, naming places, oral stories, landscape, traditions), linguistic (language and text) and intangible (knowledge and practices concerning nature, performing arts, social activities).

Dates for public workshops/meetings are as follows:

Public information and consultation sessions:
Bagenalstown/Muinebheag Library – Tuesday 22nd November (11am-1pm)
Tullow Library – Friday 25th November (2pm-4pm)
Carlow Library (Presentation Building) – Tuesday 29th November 2022 (5pm-7pm)
Borris Library – Wednesday 30th November 2022 (11am-1pm)

Online facilitated workshops:
Monday 14th Nov (pm) (2pm-3:30pm)
Wednesday 16th Nov (am) (10:30am-12 noon)
Thursday 24th Nov (10:30am- 12 noon)
Monday 28th November (2pm-3:30pm)
If you wish to attend one of these meetings please email [email protected] for the link.

Written submissions:

When making a submission please state what group (if any) you represent. Your submission should say what you think the priorities are for Heritage in Carlow over the next five years.
If you would like more information on the process please email [email protected]
Submissions will also be accepted via the post to: The Heritage Office, Carlow County Library HQ, Presentation Building, Tullow Street, Carlow R93K126

National Heritage Week 13-21 August 2022

Click Here for a List of Heritage Week Events in Carlow

As part of the national celebration of Heritage, Carlow County Council through it’s Heritage Office offers a diverse range of in-person and online events for all people to enjoy. The theme of Heritage Week 2022 is Biodiversity and Sustainability.

We have in excess of twenty five events spread out around the County starting on Saturday 13 August and running through to Sunday 21 August 2022. The events are a mix of community events organised to celebrate the local community’s heritage to collaborative County Council events that enable people to engage with and enjoy their heritage. By engaging with our heritage, we are sustaining our heritage. The events are FREE, FUN and FOR EVERYONE.

We encourage all the children and indeed families to keep an eye out for our daily Wibbly Wobbly Wendy video, where you’ll hear about stories of children in the 1930’s. We’ll be posting through the week about the events, as listed on the Heritage Week schedule below and on www.heritageweek.ie, where all details are available from the event organisers.

We look forward to seeing many of you at the many events on offer.

Bird and Butterfly Walk – Sunday 21st August Information

For those attending the ‘Bird and Butterfly walk in Killbrannish Wood, Deerpark New, Co. Carlow for Heritage Week 2022 on Sunday 21 August from 2-4pm. Listen to Stephen Bolger’s interview on KCLR – KCLR LIVE: Thursday, 18th August 2022 (kclr96fm.com)

Meet at 2pm at the entrance to the woods (52°38’48.5″N 6°43’29.0″W – Google Maps )

This bird and butterfly themed walk will take us through some mixed woodland and scrub in the foothills of the Blackstairs mountains. The woods has a population of red squirrels and wide array of butterfly species including Silver-washed and Dark-green Fritillaries which we will be looking out for too. This location is very good for nature photography so if you have a camera why not bring it along.

Please bring your own binoculars if you have them as the sharing of optics is not possible due to Covid 19. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask and keep their social distance may do so optionally.

Heritage Week 2022 – self-guided walk along area of line of the medieval town walls of Carlow

As part of the Carlow County Council’s self-guided walking route around the postulated line of the Carlow’s medieval walled town. The temporary signage will be at key points from Monday morning 15 August 2022. This is an initiative of the Historic Towns Initiative 2022 with funding from the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This event is intended to raise awareness for people walking around the town of Carlow that it was a medieval walled town of national significance.

Point 1 – Burrin River
Point 2 – St Marys Church
Point 3 – Town Hall
Point 4 – Dublin Gate
Point 5 – Presentation Building
Point 6 – Carlow Gaol

Biodiversity Week 2022 – 13-22 May 2022

The Carlow Branch of Birdwatch Ireland are leading two free walks as part of Biodiversity Week this year in collaboration with The Heritage Office of Carlow County Council. We hope you can join us for one of these events where we look forward to meeting up with fellow wildlife enthusiasts after some time apart! If you have a camera or binoculars feel free to bring them along!

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Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2022

The Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2022 is now open to receive applications : Projects offered funding by the Heritage Council – Heritage Council

Applications are made online through the Heritage Council’s website and the closing date is 16 February 2022 at 5pm.

The overall allocation to the scheme has been increased from €1 to €1.5million in 2022. The set minimum grant request is €2,000 and an increased maximum to €20,000. Eligible projects will now include traditional and craft skills to increase knowledge and awareness, enhance skillsets, and build capacity in this area. This year’s scheme will see the inclusion of website development for heritage groups and the inclusion of 2^nd and 3^rd level institutions as eligible applicants.

Projects that are eligible for funding are those that can commence after the offer of funding in mid-April 2022 and are completed before 19 September 2022.

The scheme is open to: voluntary and community groups including not for profit trusts; heritage-related non-governmental organisations (NGO’s); Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI) participants; Adopt a Monument Programme participants and Second and Third level educational bodies (excludes private institutions).

Should community groups have queries/questions or want to talk through potential applications, please contact Carlow Heritage Officer – [email protected]

Heritage Funding opportunities:

Historic Structures Fund
Carlow County Council in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are inviting application for the Historic Structures Fund 2022. Application deadline for the Historic Structures Fund (HSF 2022) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS 2022) is 12 noon on Thursday 27 January 2022. All applicants must include completed application form with supporting documentation and post to Heritage Officer, Carlow County Library, Presentation Building, Tullow Street, Carlow before deadline.   Show More

Community Monuments Fund 2022:

Applications are invited for the Community Monuments Fund 2022 (CMF 2022)
The aim of the Community Monuments Fund are the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments. The grants available in 2022 will help custodians and owners of archaeological monuments safeguard them into the future for the benefit of local communities and the visiting public.   Show More

Bringing Carlow’s cultural heritage into a digital format:

The Heritage Office would like to thank Creative Ireland Carlow for the opportunity to implement a short pilot project aimed at raising community awareness of the value of non-destructive 3D scanning for the recording and interpretation of tangible heritage objects.

The project will identify three suitable pieces of stone, shaped by human hands and imbued with different meaning at the time of production. Two of the pieces will be of cut stone dating to the medieval period and one panel of rock art dating to the prehistoric period.

Methodology:
The pieces of cut stone deserve attention, as they are exposed to the elements in a time of increasing climate change that has effects Carlow’s built heritage as per the Built Heritage Climate Adaptation plan. The 3D scans are non-invasive and non-destructive and offer an opportunity to display important pieces of tangible heritage through an online platform, making it accessible to a worldwide community of creative artists, trans-disciplinary researchers and local communities.
The three pieces of cut stone, will be laser scanned by Gary Dempsey (Digital Heritage Age) who’ll furnish Carlow County Council with three digital scans in a suitable format for use of social media platforms and archival purposes. It is intended that the scans will be made publicly available for researchers and interested groups to avail of. All images will be credited to Creative Ireland and Carlow County Council.

Heritage benefit:
The project will result in the creation of both 3D and 2D records of pieces of worked stone that form an important part in the story of the cultural heritage of Carlow through the millennia. The information will be readily available through digital platforms and offer the opportunity to be incorporated into the County Museum. The scans will be of interest to creative artists working in the area of meaning imbued in material culture.

Queries:
Dr. Eoin Sullivan (Heritage Officer)
Email: [email protected]