The Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) is maintained and administered by the Built Heritage branch of the Department of the Environment and Heritage Service for Northern Ireland. It is a map-based record with data on almost 15,000 archaeological sites and historic monuments located throughout the 6 counties of Northern Ireland. These range from Mesolithic camp sites, Bronze Age landscapes preserved under bog, through to Early Christian monasteries, the castles of the Norman Conquest and the defended houses of the Plantation settlers of 17th century Ulster. Each site is referenced by a unique identifier and a separate file maintained for each. These files contain a range of pertinent information relevant to each individual site including geographical details such as grid references and which townland and parish the site is located, as well as typological details – what the site is, what time period it belongs to, any known site names etc. Descriptions of each site prepared by departmental inspectors and staff are also to be found in addition to lists of available references for each site and copies/extracts of any published articles, maps, plans, photographs, historic manuscripts and/or archival material that may be relevant. Individual references to each site are also stored on the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Database which is accessible on-line via a detailed digital map which is available in-house.
The strength of the SMR lies in the completeness of its coverage and subject matter. It comprises a unique and comprehensive working record of the sites and monuments to be found in the north of Ireland.
The SMR contains approx. 15,000 files comprising a range of original and copied papers and photographs.
The collection is arranged and indexed according to a unique identifying reference system. Files are physically arranged in accordance to this series with details available in both hard-copy and in digital formats.
Information can also be accessed on-line via the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record Database or alternatively through the AHDS Archaeology Data Service.
The SMR is an evolving resource developing as a result of on-going work by the department.