We are delighted to announce the distinguished judges for the Wiki Loves Monuments Photo Contest 2025 in Ireland!

Hosted by Wikimedia Community Ireland, Wiki Loves Monuments is a photography contest that showcases Irish-built heritage from all regions. It also aims to celebrate and encourage the preservation and promotion of built heritage via Wikimedia Projects.

From churches to bridges, canal locks to market halls, every spot on our interactive map is a piece of Ireland’s built heritage that needs a photograph, which means we need your help.

The contest is open in Ireland until the 30th of September.

Find out how to enter here!

Introducing Ireland’s Judging Panel:

Mary Dillon, Archaeologist and manager of Heritage Keepers

Mary Dillon manages Heritage Keepers and has a strong interest in both built and natural heritage. She holds a degree and a master’s in Archaeology from the University of Galway and has worked in various fields of archaeology, including excavations and archaeobotany. Passionate about environmental issues and biodiversity, she also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Protection from Sligo IT and a Certificate in Field Ecology from UCC.

John Beattie, Architectural Conservation Advisor, National Built Heritage Service

John is an Architectural Conservation Advisor with the National Built Heritage Service, where his work on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) provides a county-by-county record of Ireland’s rich built heritage and designed landscapes. Sites range from icons of architecture to everyday structures, which often form the basis of our national identity. His work with the National Built Heritage Service has allowed him to explore how engaging with local communities on heritage projects can enhance a sense of place and safeguard these sites for future generations. John has a particular interest in 20th-century architecture and is a committee member of the ICOMOS Ireland 20th Century Heritage Work Group. He has recently co-curated a site-specific photographic exhibition, which celebrates 100 years of Modernist Architecture at Ardnacrusha Hydro-Electric Power Station. Find out more here.

Heritage Ireland Conference 2024 John Beatty

Thomas Emmet Events and External Relations Officer for Historic Houses of Ireland and Vice President of European Historic Houses’ Next Generation board

Thomas Emmet is the Events and External Relations Officer for Historic Houses of Ireland and Vice President of European Historic Houses’ Next Generation board. He is passionate about heritage and works to help houses open to the public and host festivals and events. He is also a huge advocate for progressive politics and currently works on fundraising for candidates running for election. Additionally, he helped found an anti racism network in Wicklow. He is in the process of taking over the management of Altidore Castle (Co. Wicklow) and plans to open it to the public further with events around biodiversity and heritage preservation.

Listen to our Podcast with Thomas here.