ICOMOS Ireland Cultural Salon: The Value of Built Heritage in Ireland

Join ICOMOS Ireland for a special cultural salon exploring the role of built heritage in Irish society. The salon will explore how Ireland’s built heritage continues to shape and enrich our communities, identity, well-being, and sense of place today.

Inspired by the tradition of European salons in the 18th and 19th centuries, the evening will be conversational and intimate. It will feature a series of short 10-15 minute talks by leading experts in Irish heritage, subsequent group conversations, a live musical performance, as well as food & drink, all in the historic setting of City Assembly House.

The speakers of the salon will include:

Edward McParland – Irish architectural historian, author & co-founder of the Irish Architectural Archive in 1976 (originally the National Trust Archive). He has also played a key role in organisations including the Irish Landmark Trust, the Alfred Beit Foundation, and the Irish Georgian Foundation.

Anne O'Donoghue – CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust, which manages and cares for Fota House & Gardens, Johnstown Castle Estate & Gardens, Strokestown Park House & Gardens, the National Famine Museum & 11 Parnell Square, Dublin. She is Deputy Chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) and Chair of AVEA, the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions.

Jacqui Donnelly – Senior Architect within the Built Heritage Policy division of Ireland’s Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. She is a Grade I Accredited Conservation Architect (RIAI), and has provided key policy leadership—especially in areas like protected structure legislation and improving energy efficiency in traditional buildings.

The musical guest will feature:

Laoise Kelly – Award-winning traditional Irish harpist and composer. Widely described as “the most significant harper of her generation”, Laoise has collaborated with major artists, including The Chieftains, Sharon Shannon, Mary Black, and Kate Bush . She also co-founded the Achill International Harp Festival.

Light refreshments, canapés, and prosecco/champagne will also be served. Attendees are encouraged to dress up! While not a formal event, we encourage all attendees to go dressy casual for the salon :)

3.30pm - 4pm will be the welcome reception before the salon kicks off, so please do your best to arrive during that timeframe.

Spaces are limited — early registration is encouraged.