Clare organisations encouraged to seek funding for local heritage projects

The Heritage Council is now accepting applications from voluntary or community groups and not for profit non-governmental organisations in Clare for funding under its Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2025.

In 2024, the scheme funded the Cuimhneamh an Chláir / Clare Memories group to archive its oral histories with the Digital Repository of Ireland.

Another local group which received funding was the Old Ennistymon Heritage Company which undertook repair works to the Ennistymon Courthouse building using traditional lime mortar techniques. In addition, X-PO Kilnaboy was funded to make a film on the traditional method of cutting reed for thatching on the wetlands of the Shannon Estuary.

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A broad range of project types are eligible for funding under the scheme, including: conservation works; surveys and reports to inform conservation plans; accessibility projects that make heritage activities more accessible; purchase of specialised equipment; projects that address the heritage of minority groups; training in traditional skills and crafts; and citizen science projects on environmental conservation.

The minimum grant that can be requested through the scheme is €500, with the maximum grant set at €25,000.

Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer at Clare County Council, is encouraging voluntary groups across Clare to apply for support under the scheme. “The Heritage Council Community Grant Scheme is a very valuable source of support for the many communities throughout Clare wishing to progress a local heritage project. Natural, built, and cultural heritage initiatives in the county have been progressed with the support of this funding, such as the lovely film about the Traditional Reed-Cutters on the Shannon Estuary, Working on the Margins, which was screened recently at the de Valera Library and the X-PO in Kilnaboy.”

The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, March 14, at 11pm. Funded projects must be completed by November 14, 2025. Click here for more information.