Core Member Focus: the Office of Public Works

From the dramatic Skellig Michael off the Kerry coast to the iconic Rock of Cashel in Tipperary, the Office of Public Works (OPW) cares for over 780 unique sites across the country – including monuments, historic buildings, and cultural collections. Their work goes far beyond bricks and mortar – it includes artefacts, furniture, art, plants, and even trees – all contributing to the vibrant cultural life of Ireland. 

 Whether you’re wandering through an ancient abbey or strolling the gardens of a stately home, you’re experiencing a legacy nurtured by the OPW. 

Each year, these iconic sites welcome over 12 million visitors, offering opportunities for education, inspiration, and reflection on Ireland’s rich past.  ‍However, such high footfall inevitably places immense pressure on the sites, from wear and tear on historic structures to erosion of delicate landscapes and disruption to local wildlife. 

 The OPW’s vision is to be a trusted guardian of Ireland’s national heritage: 

• Committing to caring for, protecting, and enhancing Ireland’s rich heritage for future generations. 

• Helping Irish and international visitors understand and appreciate the sites and collections in its care. 

• Managing and conserving heritage sites sustainably, while maintaining the highest professional and conservation standards. 

• Partnering with internal and external stakeholders to effectively manage and promote Ireland’s heritage estate. 

Key Initiatives with Leave No Trace 

As a dedicated partner of Leave No Trace Ireland, the Office of Public Works (OPW) plays a vital role in safeguarding Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage. Together, we promote responsible visitor behaviour to protect these treasured landscapes for future generations. Here are some of our key collaborative initiatives: 

• Love This Place Campaign
  The OPW proudly supports the annual Love This Place campaign, which inspires everyone to enjoy Ireland’s great outdoors with care and consideration. By featuring campaign messages across iconic heritage sites—through signage, digital outreach, and staff engagement—OPW helps amplify the importance of responsible recreation and stewardship. 

 

• Don’t Feed the Deer Campaign
  Led by Phoenix Park, this impactful campaign raises public awareness about the dangers of feeding wildlife—particularly deer in high-traffic areas such as Phoenix Park and the Wicklow Mountains. Visitors are encouraged to observe deer from a safe distance and allow them to forage naturally. Research from Phoenix Park’s long-term wildlife study has shown that feeding deer alters their behaviour, impacts their health, and may even influence evolutionary changes. The campaign challenges the growing misconception of wildlife as tame or domestic, emphasizing the need to let nature remain wild. 

 

• Visitor Education
  Across OPW-managed sites, educational materials and messaging consistently reflect Leave No Trace principles. These include planning ahead, showing respect for wildlife and cultural landmarks, and reducing impact in sensitive or heavily visited areas. Through this ongoing work, OPW ensures visitors are equipped to enjoy Ireland’s heritage sites in a sustainable and respectful way. 

 

Protecting the Past, Inspiring the Future 

The OPW’s commitment to conservation, education, and public engagement makes it a key partner in promoting a culture of responsible outdoor recreation in Ireland.  By encouraging people to respect heritage, tread lightly, and plan ahead, we’re helping to ensure these irreplaceable places are protected for generations to come. 

Together, we’re building a culture that respects both our natural and historic environments while advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs), particularly: 

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 

• SDG 4: Quality Education 

• SDG 15: Life on Land 

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals