You have to love the sunshine; it just makes everything more enjoyable. It gives us all a chance to head outdoors and take in our surroundings. We’re pretty lucky here in the Midlands - with our many lakes and the beautiful River Shannon, not forgetting stately homes and woodlands, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Of course one of the most notable sites in the Midlands has to be Clonmacnoise. Whether getting to it via the Shannon or by road, it offers an imposing sight, especially when approaching by water. It’s not only a religious and historical site of national importance, but one that continues to attract visitors from across the world.
Clonmacnoise was in the news again this week, with the announcement of its inclusion on a list of nominees for World Heritage Site status.
The latest submission by Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, revealed this week, describes Clonmacnoise as “an unparalleled and outstanding example of a relict early medieval insular monastic city unobscured by modern building development”.
The last time this UNESCO designation was discussed locally, last July, a meeting to discuss the bid descended into an IFA-led walkout as several farmers protested at the potential restrictions that might be imposed on farmers in the Clonmacnoise area by its inclusion on the list.
However, this week Minister Gormley moved to reassure farmers and other stakeholders that “the nomination of any property from the new tentative list for inscription on the World Heritage List will only take place after consultation with relevant stakeholders and interested parties”.
There has been longstanding opposition to the World Heritage status bid for Clonmacnoise by those who feel local farmers may be hit by restrictions thanks to a proposed ‘buffer zone’ around the site.
But surely this monastic site is worth protecting, and with that, it should be highlighted for what it is; one of the country’s outstanding medieval sites set in a beautiful, unspoilt natural landscape.
By getting Clonmacnoise on the list, it will be highlighted across the world as a heritage site, one of historical significance and beauty. Before Clonmacnoise can be added to the list, relevant stakeholders and interested parties will be consulted. It would be such a loss for it not to be included. As one of the Midlands’ biggest tourist attractions, the status could see new visitors flock to our area.
It also might serve as an important reminder to us all of the beauty on our doorstep.
