Caring for our cultural heritage

Conservation of the unique cultural heritage of the National Park ranks alongside the conservation of wildlife species and landscape as one of the purposes of the National Park Authority. This heritage gives us many of the special qualities which set this place apart from any other and make the area of National Park status and global importance.

The vernacular buildings and the unique villages are the most recognisable element of our cultural distinctiveness but it is the less tangible elements of our culture, the local communities, traditions and customs, dialect and local speech, folklore, legends and memories, that are some of the most precious yet vulnerable parts of our local culture.

In order to safeguard and promote this social heritage the National Park Authority works with local community groups, individuals and organisations to develop projects and initiatives, which celebrate and develop these softer elements of culture.

• Local festivals
• Special events
• Community arts
• Encouragement of local artists and craftworkers
• Promotion of local produce