Some more World Heritage Nominees...

  Like I said in my last post, my class also visited Monasterboice, an early medieval monastic site still used as a cemetery by the local community.

Me in front of one of the high crosses. The iconic round tower can be seen in the background.

It's nomination for World Heritage status has caused some tensions because if it gains the status, the community will no longer be able to bury their loved ones in or around the compound. This is unfortunate, because so much of what adds to the unique character of Monasterboice is the communities deep ties to it. You can tell that the locals hold Monasterboice very close to their hearts - and why shouldn't they generations of families have been buried there over the last several hundred years.
  In fact, the Victorians even realized the importance of the site and put a protective barrier around one of the earliest headstones.

  Monasterboice is nominated because it has the main characteristics of a traditional early medieval Irish monastery. Namely, an iconic round tower adjacent to a church (the church can be seen in the first photo)

Round Tower. Apparently it leans slightly and could be a health hazard. I don't see it.

  Also, Monasterboice is home to two of the tallest high crosses in Ireland. Due to their age and the Irish climate, the base stones and some of the artwork has begun to wear away. Despite this, they are still beautiful and many of the Bible scenes depicted are still highly visible.

High Cross at front of cemetery. The sides are a bit weathered, but the front is still very clear.

High Cross adjacent to church. Like on the other cross, Biblical scenes, including the crucifixion, are depicted.

  After much discussion, the three people in my group decided that while yes, Monasterboice is deserving of World Heritage status, if it received that status, it would lose an integral part of its designation - its continued use. If the local community was no longer allowed to bury there, Monasterboice would lose some of its Outstanding Universal Value because part of that value is its continual use as a site of a living tradition.

Navan Fort/Emain Macha, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

  The next site we visited was Navan Fort, or Emain Macha, not to be confused with the town of Navan in Co. Meath. Emain Macha is the traditional royal site for Ulster. Ulster is the northernmost province of Ireland. Except for a few counties, all of it lies within Northern Ireland.

Source: livinginireland.ie

  Emain Macha is the royal site at the center of the Ulster Cycle - some of the oldest recorded myths in Ireland. Most famous perhaps is the 'Cattle Raid of Cooley' (Táin Bó Cúailnge), in which Queen Maev leads a raid to steal the famous bull of Cooley so that she will have a better bull than her husband.
  Anywho, Emain Macha is set up much like Tara: a large mound surrounded by a bank and ditch enclosure. Unfortunately, the surrounding landscape hasn't been as well protected. Nearby by there is an old quarry marring the landscape. Despite this, Emain Macha is still very impressive.

Central Mound. Unlike the Mound of the Hostages at Tara, it was not used for burial.

Here, you can see part of the bank and ditch - the dark line in the middle is the ridge of the bank.

Here is closer view of the bank and ditch.

  In terms of readiness for World Heritage status, Emain Macha is probably further ahead than Tara for two reasons. First, it already has a visitor centre and exhibition that can handle a fairly steady stream of visitors. Second, it has more financial support from the local council and national environmental agency.
  Another thing that Emain Macha shares with Tara is its incredible view. Unfortunately, it was rainy and I was sick, so the photos aren't quite as good as at Tara.

That's all for now. Next time: Belfast