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Archaeological Survey of Ireland

The Archaeological Survey of Ireland

The purpose of the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) is to compile an inventory of archaeological monuments in the State.
The information gathered is stored on a database (the Archaeological Survey Database) and in a series of paper files (commonly known as the Sites and Monuments Record): the latter are stored in the National Monuments Service Archive.
The database and archive contain records of all known or possible monuments pre-dating AD 1700 that have been brought to its attention and also includes a selection of monuments from the post-AD 1700 period.
There are in excess of 148,500 records in the database and over 136,800 of these relate to archaeological monuments.
The Archaeological Survey of Ireland operates a flat or simplified hierarchical 'term list' for classification purposes and has provided in the search facility on the public map viewer a 'scope note' for each term which may also include guidance on its use. As the terms have evolved over time they cannot be considered exhaustive or comprehensive. They are indicative of ASI record holdings and reflect the incremental and organic manner in which material has been added to the archive over many years, especially for monuments dating from the post-AD 1700 period. While every effort has been made to ensure consistency of use the terms should be considered as a fairly authoritative guideline only. 

Anyone wishing to report a monument should check the public viewer to ascertain if it is already on the national database.  An ASI Monument Report Form must be used to report a 'new' monument.  Copyright of any information or supporting documentation supplied to the National Monuments Service as part of this form will rest with the Department.

Archaeological Survey Database

The information in the ASI archive was issued on a county basis between 1984 and 1992 titled as the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR).
The SMR, revised in the light of further research and fieldwork, formed the basis for the statutory Record of Monuments and Places (established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act (1994)). Similar in format to the SMR, these were issued for each county in the State between 1995 and 1998.
This website is periodically uploaded with revisions.
The information provided on this website includes geographical details, such as the townland name and grid co-ordinates. The classification of each monument is also given and, in certain instances, a brief description is provided.

 

Archaeological Survey of Ireland Archive

Additional detailed information on the monuments is contained in the original record files of the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. These may be inspected at the National Monuments Service Archive, Floor 2, Block 6, Irish Life Centre, Dublin 1. The archive is open to the public every Friday between the hours of 10am and 5pm.
To make an appointment please contact the Archive either by telephone (01) 8883922 (from Ireland) / +353 1 8883922 (from outside Ireland) or by email nmarchive@ahg.gov.ie.