Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, has extended the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage to give State recognition to a further 8 key practices of Ireland’s Living Cultural Heritage.
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| Leahy Beekeeping, Carrowmore, Co Galway |
The newly recognised traditions are as follows:
- Beekeeping
- Clones Crochet Lace Making
- Headford Lace Making (see video below)
- Irish Traditional Travelling Circus and Funfair
- Lá an Dreoilín/Wren’s Day
- Native Irish Cattle Breeding
- Spancilhill International Horse Fair
- Traditional Seine Boat Building
- Fishing and Racing.
Making the announcement, Minister Martin said: “These eight living cultural heritage practices require knowledge and skill, and foster our sense of community and place. These practices thrive through the dedicated communities who sustain and pass on their skills and way of life to succeeding generations ensuring the continuance of these important traditions.
"Official State recognition and inscription onto the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural will raise awareness of these practices and traditions.”
The development and extension of Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage is an integral part of the work of Minister Martin's Department under the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which requires States to recognise, protect and promote the living cultural heritage of their countries.
There are now 38 practices on the Irish Inventory, each one included following rigorous assessment by an expert advisory committee.