High praise for Cliffs in heritage survey

The Cliffs of Moher has been rated one of the nation’s favourite heritage sites, according to new research.
Clare’s main tourist and visitor attraction has been given the thumbs up by members of the public in a survey conducted by Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland to mark National Heritage Week 2012.
Scoring as the second-highest rated heritage site with 9% of the vote, it narrowly lost out to Newgrange in Meath.
The Cliffs of Moher attracted 809,474 visitors last year and provisional figures for the first six months of this year suggest a slight increase of about 2%, which is considered a very good performance in the teeth of the economic recession.
Representing public attitudes to heritage landmarks, the third annual National Heritage Survey also considered County Clare one of the counties richest in heritage, securing 14% of the vote.
Furthermore, of the sites on the UNESCO tentative list for world heritage status, The Burren (23%) narrowly lost out to the early medieval sites of Clonmacnoise, Durrow and Glendalough in the public’s order of preference.
Director of Services for Community and Tourism, Ger Dollard said the council is delighted but not surprised to see the Irish public rate the Cliffs so highly.
“This survey, conducted by an independent third party, confirms the very rich natural heritage that exists in County Clare. This is evident in many locations such as Scattery Island in West Clare and Holy Island in East Clare, not to mention the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
“The appeal of the spectacular natural heritage of the Cliffs of Moher to both international and Irish visitors has always been strong. The recent UNESCO supported designation of the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher as a Global Geopark underlines the world wide status of this area.
“The County Development Plan contains a strong emphasis on the need to preserve our rich and varied heritage. Furthermore, the Clare Heritage Forum is geared towards preservation of our heritage and promoting it to a wider audience,” he said.
The research shows that 41% of respondents are more likely to visit Ireland’s free heritage sites since the onset of the recession.
Over half of those surveyed have been more inclined to take a “staycation” while almost three-quarters of respondents have visited a free heritage site while on holidays in Ireland over the last year.
Overall, 26% of respondents frequently visit an Irish heritage site or landmark, while 10% visit more than ten times a year.
Ecclesiastical Insurance conducted the third National Heritage Survey online during July, among a representative sample of over 200 adults aged 18 or over and living in Ireland. The survey assesses public attitudes to heritage landmarks and the importance of the heritage sector here.
Commenting on the results, David Lane, managing director of Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland, said it is clear from their research the Irish take great pride in cultural and historic landmarks.
“Over a quarter of those surveyed reported visiting Irish heritage sites frequently, which reiterates the importance of our heritage gems as a valuable tourism resource, not just for overseas tourists but also increasingly for those holidaying at home.
“While the economic climate is set to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future, it is a positive sign that there has been a revival of interest in our country’s past. The onus is on us all to help protect and preserve our heritage sites for the enjoyment of generations to come,” he concluded.