How Humans Change Landscapes: Landscapes and Heritage

Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara, in Co. Meath, has been a sacred place since ancient times. The earliest feature is a Neolithic passage grave (visible on the left), dating from about 2800 BC. The two circular earthworks in the centre of the mound are ring forts. Up to about AD 560, the hill was the seat of the kings of Ireland.

Copyright Shamrock Designs 1999-2002.

Hill of Tara
Copyright Shamrock Designs 1999-2002.

Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara, in Co. Meath, has been a sacred place since ancient times. The earliest feature is a Neolithic passage grave (visible on the left), dating from about 2800 BC. The two circular earthworks in the centre of the mound are ring forts. Up to about AD 560, the hill was the seat of the kings of Ireland.

Copyright Shamrock Designs 1999-2002.

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All these developments mean that the physical landscape is now subject to an unprecedented level of human-induced change. To this pressure is now added the growing impact of global warming. The consequences of this are only partly foreseen, but it seems clear that sea-level rise may threaten some coastal areas, and that new conditions for vegetation growth will emerge.

With so many pressures intensifying, there is a need to be aware of what the physical landscape does for us, and also of what we can do - both positive and negative - to the physical landscape. The landscape - the ordinary landscape and not just a few special sites - is a visual amenity that deserves careful management and carries many messages about our heritage.

The need for a clearer understanding of our physical landscape has attracted attention inside and outside Ireland. Some of the issues have been highlighted by recurrent debates about the impact of infrastructure development on the countryside - the proposal to build a new motorway close to the historic Hill of Tara has demonstrated divergent views about the significance of landscape. Whereas some see conservation and preservation as being related to specific sites, others feel a broad view deserves consideration, and that whole landscapes represent important components of our heritage.

"The well-being of the landscape is entrusted to the Irish people and it is they who must value it if its qualities are to survive. To rely on one group or another to look after it will inevitably fail. The responsibility is that of society as a whole".

[Michael Starrett, Chief Executive, Heritage Council, 2004].