Topographical mapwork in geographical education

Topographical mapwork has a strong position in the syllabi and examinations in second-level education in the Republic of Ireland. It has not been the subject of any research, however, so a questionnaire survey of geography teachers was undertaken to investigate aspects of its nature and problems. It receives less teaching time and resources than its role in assessment might suggest. Mapwork was considered to be comparatively easy to learn, relative to other sections and skills in the syllabi, but considerable differences in the level of difficulty of various topics within mapwork were perceived. Problems in teaching and learning topographical mapwork are discussed

Regional imagery and Irish tourism promotion

Regional images may be defined as representations of places which consist of one or more of a variety of elements which may include people, landscapes, flora or animals (Gold and Ward, 1994; Kneafsey, 1997). Sound, when sound media are used, and, arguably, taste and smell through their evocation, may also function as regional images. Individually and collectively these elements serve to convey characteristics of places. Regional imagery is identified by both the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union (EU) as having important contributions to make to the marketing of the products of rural economies. A recent OECD (1995) report on Niche markets as a rural development strategy, refers to specific landscapes, cultural traditions or historic monuments as creating territorial linkages which can function as a niche marketing strategy. The commercial value of regional imagery for rural economies that have become isolated from mainstream activity is also recognised by the EU Committee of the Regions. In an Opinion document of 18 September 1996 on ‘Promoting and protecting local products- a trump card for the regions’, it is stated that “a region’s image may contribute to that of products and services offered on wider markets” (CEC, p. 2). Regional identification marks (labels) are viewed as enabling a link to be forged between the product and “a region’s landscape and culture” (ibid.). Regional images as constructs are therefore being defined increasingly as having a commercial value for the products and services of underdeveloped areas.peer-reviewe

Geography and the Geographers in Ireland: A Bibliography 1995-1999

This publication was prepared on behalf of the Irish National Committee for Geography under the auspices of the Royal Irish Academy. It marks the 29th International Geographical Congress in Seoul, Korea in August 2000. It is the third in a series, of which the first was the Bibliography of Irish Geography 1987-1991 compiled by James E. Killen and William J. Smyth for the 27th International Geographical Congress in Washington DC, United States of America (1992) and the second was the Bibliography of Irish Geography 1991-1995 compiled by Anne Buttimer and Dennis G. Pringle to mark the 28th International Geographical Congress in The Hague, Netherlands (1996)

Les mutations de l’agriculture en République d’Irlande (1960-1990)

While Irish agriculture has important traditional features, this paper focuses on the extent of change which has occurred over the period 1960-90. The policy context from the time of national independence to current EC CAP reform has had a major influence. The decline in farm employment has been much greater than increase in farm size. Substantially greater agricultural output has been achieved through intensification and use of capital inputs. Consideration of the trends in individual farm enterprises shows increased national specialisation on milk and beef. Considerable concentration and specialisation have occurred at the farm level and this has contributed to significant change in the spatial patterns of agriculture. The modernisation of Irish agriculture has led to greater differentiation amongst farmers and to some harmful effects on the environment.Le contexte politique a fortement influencé l'agriculture irlandaise. Le déclin de l'emploi agricole a été beaucoup plus net que l'augmentation de la taille des exploitations. L’intensification technique et capitalistique a permis la croissance du revenu agricole. On observe une spécialisation nationale accrue dans le lait et la viande de bœuf. La spécialisation et la concentration à l’échelle de l’exploitation ont modifié la répartition géographique des productions. La modernisation agricole a accentué les disparités entre exploitants et entre régions et s’est traduite par quelques effets regrettables sur l’environnement.Gillmor Desmond A., Dumortier Brigitte. Les mutations de l’agriculture en République d’Irlande (1960-1990). In: Hommes et Terres du Nord, 1992/2. Irlande. pp. 72-78

Topographical mapwork in geographical education

Topographical mapwork has a strong position in the syllabi and examinations in second-level education in the Republic of Ireland. It has not been the subject of any research, however, so a questionnaire survey of geography teachers was undertaken to investigate aspects of its nature and problems. It receives less teaching time and resources than its role in assessment might suggest. Mapwork was considered to be comparatively easy to learn, relative to other sections and skills in the syllabi, but considerable differences in the level of difficulty of various topics within mapwork were perceived. Problems in teaching and learning topographical mapwork are discussed

A role for quality rural tourism services in rural development? Evidence from the Republic of Ireland

[No abstract available]Peer reviewe