Dunsink Observatory main building in Dublin.Getty Images

The Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland have been added to the World Heritage Tentative List for Ireland, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage announced on Friday, April 18 - World Heritage Day.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Tentative List is an inventory of important natural and cultural heritage sites that demonstrate potential ‘Outstanding Universal Value.'

Ireland's new entry is a proposed cross-border partnership comprising Armagh Planetarium and Observatory in Co Armagh; Birr Castle and Demesne in Co Offaly; and Dunsink Observatory House in Co Dublin.

Together, the Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland become the fourth entry on Ireland’s Tentative List. The other three are: The Neolithic Passage Tomb Landscape of Co Sligo; The Transatlantic Cable Ensemble (Kerry and Canada); the Royal Sites of Ireland, covering several sites on the island.

In what was described as an "important step" for Ireland's World Heritage sites, the announcement was made on Friday by Ireland's Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD, Minister of State with Responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, TD.

 “Increasing the number of UNESCO World Heritage Properties is a heritage commitment in our Programme for Government," Minister James Browne TD said on Friday.

"This addition of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland to the Tentative List is the first formal step on an exciting journey towards World Heritage inscription for three remarkable observatories.

"These places of trailblazing scientific endeavour epitomise historical collaboration across the island. They showcase our remarkable heritage on the global stage, and the journey of this project in the years will strengthen North-South cooperation greatly with shared benefits for these places and their communities.”

Birr Castle Demesne, Telescope, Co Offaly. (Ireland's Content Pool)

Minister Christopher O’Sullivan said he was "delighted" to mark World Heritage Day 2025 - also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites - with this "significant development."

He said: "Ireland’s Tentative List is continually evolving to enable further sites to be identified.

"World Heritage inscription carries great global significance and can bring positive benefits for heritage and tourism promotion, community engagement, and stewardship.

“Thanks to the National Monuments Service and its World Heritage expert panel in supporting the Observatories and the Local Authorities to reach this stage. We look forward to working with all stakeholders in the years ahead.”

Dunsink Observatory in Castleknock, Co Dublin. (Ireland's Content Pool)

“This is an important achievement for the Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland," Minister of State Kevin “Boxer” Moran said.

"It is a very positive showcase of cross-border co-operation between the relevant authorities on the island of Ireland.

"The OPW [Office of Public Works] looks forward to supporting the bid in the future as it progresses for submission to UNESCO for inscription as a World Heritage Property.”

Armagh Planetarium, Co Armagh. (Ireland's Content Pool)

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Ireland's National Monuments Service and OPW will now focus on supporting the Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland to develop their nomination bid for submission to the World Heritage Centre in Paris in partnership with Northern Ireland and relevant UK World Heritage authorities.

Once submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland will be formally added to Ireland’s Tentative List.

The Department noted on Friday that the nomination process is complex, taking up to six years from Tentative List to inscription.

For larger sites and sites involving international partners, the process may require a longer period. Sites must be on the Tentative List for a year before being considered.

All Tentative Lists submitted to the World Heritage Committee by States Parties are available to review on the UNESCO website.