Glencar Waterfalls
Landscapes, Architecture, Archaeology, Nature, Wildlife and Cultural festivals all combine to make up a unique sense of Leitrim. This county has a rich and diverse Heritage and brings benefits to all that live in the county and those who visit. Along with forming our identity, heritage teaches us lessons from the past and also brings economic benefits to the county by providing scenic landscapes, vernacular architecture and historic monuments for the tourist. Retaining a wide diversity and quality of heritage resource may also be seen as a measure of success and competitiveness.
Particular heritage sites and events include:
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Shannon-Erne Waterway Glencar Waterfall
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Parke’s Castle Sheemore and Sheebeg
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Sweathouses Creevelea Ironworks
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Black Pig’s Dyke Doon at Drumsna
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Lough Rynn Estate Sliabh an Iarainn
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Glenade Lough Kingfisher Trail
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Pattern Days Mumming Festivals
The importance of County Leitrim's Architectural Heritage is recognised by the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) as introduced under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1999; The final RPS for County Leitrim will include some 400 structures including dwelling houses, churches, mills, commercial buildings and other buildings of architectural significance.
The Strategy document produced by Leitrim County Development Board includes in its objectives the protection of Leitrim’s heritage and environment and the promotion of the enjoyment of heritage and environmental events and activities. (Social Economic and Cultural Strategy for County Leitrim 2002 – 2012: A shared vision)
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the day-to-day management of all State-owned National Monuments and Historic Properties. Millions of Irish people and foreign visitors visit these sites each year to learn something of Ireland’s history and heritage. Guide services, interpretive displays and many publications and newsletters are provided to assist the visitor in this educational process. The primary concern of the OPW in this regard is to protect and maintain Ireland’s heritage for future generations.
The role of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is to protect and promote appreciation of the built & natural heritage, protect human health and secure the integration of environmental considerations into economic and sectoral policies. It provides a policy and legislative framework which facilitates and encourages development patterns consistent with the principles of conservation of the natural and built environment as directed by National, European and International law.There is now a statutory requirement that the protection of buildings of artistic, architectural or historic interest be a mandatory objective of each local authority's Development Plan. In November2004 the Department published guidelines for planning authorities to support and deliver architectural heritage protection (see website for on-line document).