County Kilkenny Heritage Strategy sets out clear roadmap for preserving, protecting, celebrating, and integrating rich cultural, natural, and built heritage
Heritage in County Kilkenny is more than a catalogue of monuments or protected habitats. It is a living, interconnected legacy that sustains identity, supports the economy and underpins environmental quality, the newly-launched County Kilkenny Heritage Strategy 2026-2030 has revealed.
Its future depends on the everyday choices and shared responsibilities of communities, landowners, businesses, the local authority and visitors alike, the comprehensive Strategy cautions.
The comprehensive, 60 page report acknowledges the tireless work of local communities and volunteers which sustains the heritage of the county and highlights the challenge of how to adequately support their efforts.
Kilkenny’s heritage is a significant revenue generator across the city and county, with Fáilte Ireland data from 2024 showing that of the 655,000 domestic and international visitors who spent €179 million in Kilkenny that year, 70% engaged with Heritage and related sites.
Speaking at the launch, Deirdre Cullen, Leas-Cathaoirleach, Kilkenny County Council, said the Strategy provides clear direction and leadership to guide heritage action across the county over the coming years, ensuring that its natural, built and cultural heritage is protected, understood and valued now and for generations to come.
Cllr Cullen commended the County Kilkenny Heritage Forum for their commitment and expertise, and all those who participated in the consultation process and contributed their views, priorities and aspirations.
“County Kilkenny’s heritage is a defining element of our identity and sense of place. It shapes the character of our towns, villages and landscapes; reflects generations of creativity, resilience and endeavour; and underpins quality of life across the county.
“Our heritage supports community wellbeing, cultural participation, sustainable tourism and economic activity, delivering social, cultural and economic benefits for those who live, work, visit and invest in Kilkenny,” she added.
Virginia Teehan, Heritage Council Chief Executive, said the heritage body is proudly based in Kilkenny and, for that reason as well as many others, she is especially pleased to work closely with Kilkenny County Council, which has shown leadership over many decades in the appreciation, protection and promotion of the rich history and heritage of both the city and county.
“Heritage is not only central to our identity and sense of place; it is also a catalyst in the local economy. Heritage Council research published in 2024 estimates that the heritage sector contributes €4.6 billion in annual economic output in Ireland, underlining the important role heritage plays in supporting employment, investment and vibrant communities.
“Public expectations also continue to grow. Research has shown strong public support for the protection of heritage and for the role of public bodies in safeguarding it for future generations. That growing sentiment reflects an understanding that heritage matters not only as inheritance, but as a shared public good,” Ms Teehan said.
Regina Fitzpatrick Kilkenny County Council Heritage Officer, said Kilkenny’s heritage is at the heart of its identity, linking the past with the present and shaping our future. “The County Kilkenny Heritage Strategy 2026–2030 sets out a clear roadmap for preserving, protecting, celebrating, and integrating our rich cultural, natural, and built heritage into community, cultural and economic life in our county. In a time of transformation, climate crisis, and evolving national policies, this strategy ensures heritage remains a core pillar of Kilkenny’s sustainable development.
“The Strategy aims to safeguard Kilkenny’s diverse heritage – from historic sites and natural habitats to oral traditions and traditional skills – while addressing challenges such as neglect, underinvestment, and climate change. By continuing to work with local communities, by nurturing our partnerships and supporting innovation, this strategy will deliver a resilient, inclusive and sustainable heritage sector in Kilkenny now and for generations to come.
“This Strategy is grounded in a set of core values that emphasise inclusivity, creativity, accessibility, quality and most importantly – collective responsibility. These values are reflected in six objectives which include recording what is at risk of being forgotten; conserving what matters deeply to people and maintaining the threads of memory in everyday landscapes.
“It also highlights the importance of providing access to heritage as a shared right as well as embedding heritage in decision making across Kilkenny County Council services and in community life and finally, enhancing awareness of the value, importance and relevance of heritage in our everyday lives.”
The Strategy is framed by the urgent need for climate action and the protection of nature, and it recognises the deep interconnections between heritage, environment and sustainability. It highlights how Kilkenny’s heritage is not static – it evolves through community engagement, demographic change, creativity, and adaptation. The Strategy positions heritage as a living resource, strengthening its role in shaping Kilkenny’s future. Strong local partnerships, supported by targeted funding, are seen as central to achieving the Strategy’s objectives.
Supported by an effective annual implementation and monitoring framework, the Strategy promotes continuous action, learning, and adaptation. Kilkenny’s rich heritage will continue to inspire future generations, acting as a catalyst for innovation, community well-being, and pride, Regina Fitzpatrick added.
“Kilkenny’s heritage is our story—it is our duty to safeguard it for the generations to come. This strategy represents our collective commitment to that future,” she concluded.
Click the links below to read the strategy.
County Kilkenny Heritage Strategy 2026-2030 – English Version
Straitéis Oidhreachta Chontae Chill Chainnigh 2026-2030 – Irish Version
