From Wilderness to Wonderment: The Presentation of Irish Heritage, Durrow and Glendalough

This study explores how heritage is presented at different sites, by different social, political and national groups. How heritage is communicated, displayed or conveyed is dependent on a number of influencing factors, such as tourism, local and national politics, and economic conditions. Moreover, how heritage is presented has altered significantly over time at these sites. It has been influenced by external factors such as economic cycles, political and even climatic events, while continually being restructured by changing aesthetic styles, cultural trends, and technological advancements. As such, each of these influencing factors has been investigated in order to provide a complete representation of the two Irish case study sites, Durrow, County Offaly, and Glendalough, County Wicklow. Through a multifaceted system of analysis this project has utilised several disciplinary elements such as history, archaeology, sociology and spatial geography. This inclusive understanding of the past provides answers to our current form of existence, both in terms of the physical space we occupy, nature and our society, moreover, this kind of knowledge provides us with the tools to envisage possible future outcomes. Whilst initially the term heritage will spark preconceived impressions of its meaning, heritage as a concept is extremely complex and culturally subjective. Heritage is a crucial component in identity formation. It can be fundamental to community connections and provide people with a sense of belonging.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

National University of Ireland Maynooth

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• McAdam, Aine

Language dc:language

en