The Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) is a unit of the National Monuments Service. The ASI was established to compile an inventory of the known archaeological monuments in the State. The information is stored on a database and in a series of paper files that collectively form the ASI Sites and Monuments Record (SMR)
The SMR Database
The SMR contains details of all monuments and places (sites) where it is believed there is a monument known to the ASI pre-dating AD 1700 and also includes a selection of monuments from the post-AD 1700 period. There are in excess of 150,800 records in the database and over 138,800 of these relate to archaeological monuments. The remaining 12,000 records are classified as ‘Redundant record’: the majority of these relate to obsolete terms, records or features that are not monuments. The records are subject to revision and the data is updated daily. The SMR database can be viewed on-line through the Historic Environment Viewer.
The Historic Environment Viewer
The Historic Environment Viewer is a new on-line digital service provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It has been developed to enhance the user’s experience by facilitating access to the databases of the National Monuments Service Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) and the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) in a seamless one-stop point of access for both built heritage data resources. The viewer is capable of being accessed on the majority of browsers and platforms, including smart phones.
The SMR Archive
The Archaeological Survey of Ireland SMR paper files are stored in the National Monuments Service Archive Unit. These may be inspected at the National Monuments Service Archive Unit, Room G62, Custom House, Dublin 1. The archive is open to the public every Friday between the hours of 10am and 5pm.
To make an appointment please contact the Archive either by telephone (01) 8883922 (from Ireland) / +353 1 8883922 (from outside Ireland) or by email nmarchive@housing.gov.ie.
Underwater Archaeology
Shipwrecks are not included in the SMR as this dataset is maintained separately by the Underwater Archaeology Unit of the National Monuments Service.
Note: ‘Monument’ and ‘wreck’ have the meaning as defined in the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004.
Reporting a Monument
First check the Historic Environment Viewer to ascertain if the monument is already recorded. If not click here to access a Monument Report Form in pdf format. Print out and complete the form and forward it to the address supplied. Copyright of any information or supporting documentation supplied to the National Monuments Service as part of this form will rest with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.