RAHAN MONASTIC SITE - Offaly County Council

6.0 CONSERVATION POLICIES6.0 CONSERVATION POLICIES6.1 General ApproachPolicy 1: General ApproachThe conservation and preservation of the Monastic Site at Rahan should take account of and value all layers ofits history as part of a unique cultural landscape. There should be no disturbance of the sub-surface archaeologyand the potential wealth of information which this may reveal about the site.6.2 UsePolicy 2a: WorshipThe continued use of the place for religious worship is in part responsible for the survival of the site in such a goodstate of preservation. The centuries-long use of the twelfth century church for worship is a defining characteristicof cultural significance and meaning. It is crucial that this function be maintained in the future.Policy 2b: BurialsIt is of critical importance for the successful management of this site that no further ground disturbance beundertaken within the monastic enclosure. It is also important that there should be no further extension to themodern Catholic graveyard located to the south of the twelfth century church. When the graveyard has reachedcapacity, burials should cease at Rahan.Policy 2c: Visitor AccessVisitor access should be encouraged to this internationally significant site, however, guidelines as to the use shouldbe drawn up and displayed on site to inform the public how best to enjoy the site without causing any damage.The vulnerability of the site and the farming activities that occur there need to be respected by all visitors. Allmembers of the public entering the site for the purposes of worship, burial, visiting and tending graves, or simplyvisiting the buildings and ruins should behave responsibility: making sure to close gates, avoid bringing dogs,and avoiding damaging land or disturbing stock.Policy 2d: FarmingThe survival of the sub-surface archaeology at Rahan in a good state of preservation is due largely to theappropriate and sympathetic use of the land by the owner, Sean Grennan. The continued use of the land forpasture presents no significant threat to the sub-surface archaeology inside the monastic enclosure at Rahanand should be encouraged to continue.6.3 AccessPolicy 3a: AccessThere is strong local awareness of the importance of the site and an appreciation for the memory of St Carthage.Access to the site is freely available; however, the Church of St Carthage is locked when not in use. It is importantto ensure regular access to the Church of St Carthage through community events such as yearly ecumenical servicesand to encourage the local schools to incorporate the history of the site into their schoolwork.Policy 3b: Vehicular Access and ParkingIt is important to appreciate the potential damage that can be caused to the sub-surface archaeology by motorvehicles entering the site, particularly in wet periods. It is recommended that cars are parked outside the enclosureto avoid irreversible damage being caused. An official notice should be placed on site advising the public thatparking within the site should be avoided to prevent damage to the sub-surface archaeological remains.63