Ireland's Expected To Propose 5 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Spin expects five sites across the country to be included in Ireland’s application for UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Brú na Bóinne complex in Newgrange County Meath is one site Ireland has.

Skellig Michael in County Kerry is the only other one in the country.

Sites Must 'Transcend National Boundaries"

An UNESCO heritage site must be “so exceptional” that it “transcends national boundaries.”

While it must also be of importance for generations to come.

So County Councils and heritage sites have until June 30th to apply to be considered for this high status.

We expect the Department to include these areas in their tentative application list:

1. The Valentia Transatlantic Cable in Kerry.
2. The Burren in Clare.
3. Glendalough in Wicklow.
4. The passage tomb landscape of Sligo.
5. A number of royal ancient sites.

TD for Clare, Michael McNamara thinks the Department has already decided on what will be included:

"They weren't terribly interested in receiving proposals that weren't from local authorities."

"Which is of course not what the invitation for proposals contained."

Skellig Michael in Kerry and Newgrange are the only two Irish places that are UNESCO world heritage sites.

Paul Devane from Skellig Michael Cruises says business soared after the award:

He says "it's just gone huge," since 1996.

"Even now I'm getting bookings for 2022 already."

All applications will got to an expert advisory group for an assessment.

So that's before they consider a final tentative list.