2.9 Heritage & Built Environment

2.9 Heritage & Built Environment

Killarney’s urban environment is made up of a number of distinctive areas and building types of special architectural, historical, archaeological, and cultural interest, which gives the town a certain uniqueness and sense of place.

2.9.1 Archaeological Heritage

Kerry County Council acknowledges the importance of Killarney’s unique identity and historical sense of place. The Council will promote its archaeological heritage as a resource for education purposes to increase public awareness and to ensure that it is suitably protected and conserved.

2.9.2 Architectural Heritage

Kerry County Council recognises the importance of retaining and improving those structures, buildings and streetscapes within the town which significantly add to the uniqueness of Killarney’s urban landscape and to the amenity value of the town.  In achieving this, the Council sets out specific planning policies and objectives in Chapter 8.

2.9.2.1 Architectural Conservation Area’s

The purpose of an Architectural Conservation Area is to preserve the general character of the area having regard to building heights, proportions, plot sizes and materials used. Kerry County Council considers the following areas as appropriate for ACA designation:

1. Cathedral Place/Port Road/New Road/Mary’s Road
2. Numbers 1-6 Green Lane
3. New Street (South)
4. Numbers 1-16 Sunnyhill Lower
5. Numbers 1-11 Sunnyhill Upper
6. Numbers 1-14 Emmett’s Terrace

Full details of the Architectural Conservation Areas are included in Volume 3.

Map 2.4: Proposed Architectural Conservation Areas

2.9.3 Arts, Heritage & Culture

From an economic perspective, the Arts/Heritage and the Creative Sector have much to contribute to Killarney from an employment, economic and local enterprise perspective.

The arts and heritage in Killarney are vibrant, rich in content, in history and in potential. The local authority will ensure that this potential is maximised to ensure that arts/heritage play a central role in the development of the town.

To further enhance the cultural experience in the town, strong linkages through wayfinding and interpretation to the key historic buildings including the St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Franciscan Friary, the Courthouse and the Old Town Hall need to be developed. This will highlight these heritage assets and will develop Killarney’s unique sense of place.

The authentic Killarney experience identifying its uniqueness, will be delivered through the development of this story, which will strengthen the sense of identity and sense of place, a town whereby locals and visitors can experience and appreciate the towns heritage through the links to the public realm. This will promote the development potential of Killarney’s laneways and enhance a vibrant and inclusive town centre area and a well-defined sense of place which retains its past urban character, its cultural and built heritage.

2.9.4 Buildings of Historical Character

A number of key buildings of historical character exist in the town that have potential for development for enterprise/office or residential use. These buildings and their surrounding lands are often underutilised or even in a semi derelict condition. The reuse of these buildings increases the viability and vitality of the town centre. A number of the buildings are protected structures. 

It is preferable that these are developed and occupied rather than remain vacant and prone to dereliction and vandalism. In view of this the Planning Authority   will actively promote and facilitate the sustainable re-development and re-use of these structures and sites.