In an important first step toward designation, Dunsink Observatory and Birr Castle Demesne have been added to Ireland’s Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Properties.
The announcement that the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) Dunsink Observatory and Birr Castle Demesne have been added to Ireland’s Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Properties came from Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, TD, today (April 18) to coincide with World Heritage Day.
The news will be welcomed by those who have long championed the iconic sites as world heritage material, and was welcomed by Astronomical Observatories of Ireland (AOI), who said the designation would elevate the observatories to a status comparable to other iconic landmarks already recognised by UNESCO on the island such as Sceilg Mhichíl, Co Kerry (of Star Wars fame), and the Giant’s Causeway in Co Antrim.
“Securing a place on the Irish Government’s Tentative List for achieving UNESCO World Heritage status is a fantastic recognition of the observatories’ unique, historical heritage and very apt on this World Heritage Day,” said Dr Eucharia Meehan, CEO and registrar of DIAS, the custodian of Dunsink Observatory.
In September 2023, the AOI partnership had announced aspirations to seek World Heritage status at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that proposed a cross-border bid between Ireland and the UK to secure international recognition and protection for the sites of the three members of the partnership – Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in Northern Ireland, and Dunsink Observatory and Birr Castle Demesne in the Republic of Ireland. Work will now continue to have the Armagh site added to the UK tentative list.
“The scientific heritage of all three sites cannot be overstated,” sad Prof Peter Gallagher, chairperson of Birr Castle Demesne and director of DIAS Dunsink Observatory.
“The telescope in Birr Castle was the largest in the world for seven decades and remains today a place of scientific endeavour and significance. We need to protect the heritage of all three sites, conserve, preserve as well as educate on the importance of science for society and to inspire the next generation.”
“We look forward to now working with our partners in Birr and Dunsink in seeking designation to the UK’s Tentative List,” said Prof Michael Burton, director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.
Founded in 1785, DIAS Dunsink Observatory has been home to many of Ireland’s most famous scientists, including Sir William Rowan Hamilton.
Birr Castle Demesne began as a private observatory of the 3rd Earl of Rosse, and is famous for the Great Leviathan of Parsonstown, built in 1845, then the largest telescope in the world.
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is the oldest scientific institution in Northern Ireland and the longest continuously operating astronomical research institute in the UK and Ireland.
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