We plan to acquire historic sites ranging from large country estates to smaller urban properties. All will be of historic significance and at risk in some way. We want to care for these special places and offer a memorable day out at these properties where everyone can enjoy and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the people who created these properties, including architects, gardeners and craftsmen.
The Trust was launched in July 2006 and since then we have been busy looking at a number of special properties. We have been encouraged by the level of interest from property owners considering a donation to the Trust. Evaluating these properties and the generous offers of donations is a huge task in itself and considerable time goes into preparing business plans and exploring the most viable financial options for properties and their owners. As a charity we have to be sure that we will be able to afford to operate each property in a sustainable way forever.
We're delighted that in December 2007 we completed the acquisition of Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens in Co. Cork.
Acquiring a property is only the beginning. Reinvigorating a property to its former glory naturally takes time and it will be a delicate job to preserve the character and historic integrity of properties. None of them will have 'quick fix' solutions, so high levels of creativity and resources will be put into raising substantial long-term investment in order to carry out conservation work and develop sustainable energy and environmental best practice projects, audience development and membership programmes which will focus on education, advocacy and volunteering.
We want to make historic properties exciting places to visit and for people of all ages to take away with them lasting memories and an appetite to learn more about the many aspects of Ireland's heritage. This will be achieved through innovative events programmes including concerts, craft fairs, nature walks, treasure hunts and seasonal events. This is where the involvement of local communities, schools, universities, charities, volunteer organisations and businesses will be a great support to the Trust. We believe that all of our activities, commercial and non-profitable, will in the long-term deliver tangible economic and social benefits to local communities and regions. We look forward to welcoming you at our properties in the near future.
