Archaeology and monuments

Finding information on archaeological sites and monuments

Information on each site can be accessed on the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) database. Please visit the Historic Environment Record of Northern Ireland (HERoNI) page to access the database, or use our map viewer.

At HERoNI you can also find out more about our industrial and defence heritage sites, historic parks and gardens, and maritime remains and historic wrecks around our coastline as well as information on archaeological objects and collections. 

Monuments in State Care

There are currently 187 archaeological sites and monuments that are in the ownership or guardianship of the Department, known as State Care Monuments. These include some of the most famous and regionally important sites in Northern Ireland, such as Carrickfergus Castle and Derry Walls. Many of these are open to the public to visit.

• State Care monuments

Protected historic monuments 

Over 2,000 archaeological sites and monuments are scheduled for protection under the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995. The majority of these sites remain in private ownership. Information on what this legal designation means and how landowners can look after their scheduled monuments, and apply for Scheduled Monument Consent to carry out works is available.

• Scheduled historic monuments

A number of areas are also designated as Areas of Significant Archaeological Interest.

Some historic monuments have been identified as being at particular risk.

Advice for owners of archaeological sites and historic monuments 

The Department records, promotes and protects archaeological sites and monuments through our statutory powers and advisory roles. 

If you are the owner of a historic monument, Historic Environment Division can offer you advice on how best to manage and look after it.

• Advice for monument owners

If you wish to carry out development works which impact on a historic monument, including works which require planning permission guidance is available.

• Historic Environment advice and guidance in the planning process

Archaeological excavation and survey 

Historic Environment Division has provided detailed guidance on the legal requirements for archaeological excavation in Northern Ireland. Application forms for an excavation licence, associated reporting documents and a range of guidance documents for practitioners of archaeology in NI are available to download from our excavation and survey pages. 

• Archaeological excavation and survey

Reporting finds of archaeological objects, metal detecting and treasure

There is strict legislation in Northern Ireland relating to reporting of finds of archaeological objects, treasure items and the use of detecting devices. It is important the everyone understands these legal requirements. 

• Finding and reporting archaeological objects, including treasure
• Advice for finders of treasure in Northern Ireland
• A guide to metal detecting, archaeology and the law