Kilkenny monument chosen to take part in national scheme

Rathbeagh Ringfort on the banks of the Nore between Freshford and Ballyragget in Co Kilkenny has been selected as one of five monuments by the Heritage Council to participate in the 'Adopt a Monument Scheme'. The news comes as the group prepare to launch the Interpreation plan for Rathbeagh which was co-designed with the community, The Acorn Project and Workhouse Union last year as part of the Award winning Song of the Scythe Project. 

The scheme offers communities expertise, mentoring and support to help them to care for their local heritage and helps to ensure the sustainable future of the adopted monuments. It also offers communities a way of promoting pride in place and pride in Ireland's past, as well as opportunities to develop and understand the story of a locality, to work collaboratively, to get active, participate in community development and to boost tourism, business and employment opportunities.

The five sites were chosen following a selection process that also involved the National Monuments Service, The Heritage Council, The Discovery Programme, a community archaeologist and Abarta Heritage.

Locally, the Acorn Project has been collaborating with landowner Phil Phelan to manage this unique heritage site and the group is excited to participate in this scheme and develop community stewardship initiatives across Kilkenny and the Nore Catchment.