Recreating and Protecting Southeast Ireland’s Cultural and Environmental Heritage

Abstract

The Creadan Head Archaeological Project (CHAP) utilizes four decades of archaeological research on the earliest settlement of Ireland, some 10,000–12,000 years ago, as the basis for a heritage-tourism project in County Waterford, Ireland. Using best practices, CHAP is integrated into County Waterford’s economic development and heritage plans to provide opportunities for local community members to participate in the construction of their own heritage and ultimately making the region a Heritage and Ecotourism destination that includes videography, museum exhibits and heritage trails. The project team partners Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT, Republic of Ireland) with Geoarchaeology Associates (GAI, US) with a wide variety of local, national and international stakeholders including Waterford Treasures Museum, Waterford County Council, Waterford Chamber of Commerce.