Protection of Built and Natural Heritage
Fingal has a rich and diverse natural and built heritage, ranging from the tranquil villages in rolling country landscape, picturesque seaside settlements and rugged coastline to vibrant urban developments and historic towns. Fingal County Council has included objectives in Chapter 5 (Natural Heritage) and Chapter 6 (Archaeology and Architectural Heritage) of the Fingal Development Plan 2011-2017 to protect and conserve the natural and built heritage of significance within the county. Different designations have been placed on archaeological, architectural and landscape features in Fingal to achieve this.
Structures are protected either as:
- Recorded Monuments
- Protected Structures (previously known as Listed Buildings)
- Architectural Conservation Areas
The most important designations for the natural heritage are:
- Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
- Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
- Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs)
- Special Amenity Area Orders (SAAOs)
Further information on both the built and natural heritage designations listed can be found by clicking on the links at the top of this page.
How can I do Further Research on Sites of Archaeological and Architectural Interest in my Area?
In 2008 Fingal County Council in association with the Heritage Council produced a guide 'Discovering Historic Fingal' to provide a practical and user-friendly reference to available archaeological and architectural source material for Fingal. The guide directs those researching the built heritage of the County to written material, maps, photos, illustrations, models and artifact repositories, from Fingal, Dublin and National sources.
