Newgrange nation's favourite

For the fourth consecutive year, Newgrange is once again the nation’s favourite heritage site, according to research conducted by specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical Ireland to mark National Heritage Week 2013.

As home to the prehistoric site, Meath was also voted the county most rich in Irish heritage.

Representing public attitudes to Ireland’s heritage landmarks, the fourth annual National Heritage Survey saw Newgrange claim 15per cent of the vote, followed by Glendalough (9per cent), the Cliffs of Moher (8per cent), the Rock of Cashel (5per cent) and the Burren (5per cent). 

Furthermore Newgrange (38per cent) ranked as the site of greatest historical importance to Ireland with the GPO (12per cent) also among the top responses. 

The majority of respondents (91per cent) rate Ireland’s heritage as very important or important to the tourism industry, however almost three quarters (73per cent) of those surveyed do not feel enough is being done to promote Irish heritage sites and landmarks to the public.

 Among respondents, 37per cent of those surveyed visit heritage sites three to four times annually, 18per cent visit between five and nine times a year, and 15 per cent visit more than ten times a year.