Date: 19 Aug 2021
Exhibition launched at Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown LexIcon Library
CHERISH Project: Climate Change and Coastal Heritage exhibition was launched on the 18th August and is on display for the first time in Ireland at the dlr LexIcon Library, Dún Laoghaire and will continue until 26 September 2021.
The CHERISH project (Climate, Heritage and Environments of Reefs, Islands, and Headlands) is 6-year project involving the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, the Discovery Programme: Centre for Archaeology and Innovation Ireland, Aberystwyth University: Department of Geography and Earth Sciences and Geological Survey, Ireland. The project is funded through the Ireland-Wales Programme 2014-2020, part of the European Regional Development Fund, which focusses on seeking solutions to shared challenges on both sides of the Irish Sea.
The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on the rich cultural heritage of Ireland’s coasts and seas. These impacts include erosion and loss of coastal sites due to wave actions during storms and the acceleration of structural damage to built heritage such as churches and castles through increased rainfall. Hotter, drier summers can produce cropmarks that allow the discovery of new archaeological sites. However, hotter conditions can also lead to the drying out of cliff faces increasing the risk of destabilisation and collapse affecting coastal heritage sites.
It also aims to attract volunteers willing to record change to their local coastline and coastal heritage in the future using the CHERISH app that is currently being developed.
The CHERISH Exhibition is a travelling exhibition that will be displayed in libraries, museums, heritage centres, galleries and other public buildings across Ireland and Wales.
If you would like to host the exhibition please contact the project team for details.