Page 14 - The 17th Percy French Festival: The Quest for Authenticity

Irish Historic

Houses Association

Ireland’s remaining historic houses are evidence
of our cultural and historical relationship with
the rest of Europe. With their estates, gardens,
demesnes, and parks they have long had (and
continue to occupy) a central position in the
economic and social life of the communities
in which they were built.

!e preservation of this part of Ireland’s cultural
heritage is of national importance. !is has been
recognised by successive governments which have
enacted legislation to help safeguard our historic
houses for current and future generations and
in the public interest.

Heritage properties remaining in private hands
have unique value, especially those owned
by the same family over generations.
With artefacts and archives, many
encapsulate local history and
preserve valuable long standing
relationships with local communities
and if houses are sold and contents
dispersed, as alas has frequently been
the case, their cultural, historical, and social value
is irreversibly reduced.

!e HHI aims to promote and foster the immediate
and long-term future of Irish privately owned historic
properties. For further information on our members
and activities please see www.ihh.ie