The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, now trading as Ulster Architectural Heritage, was founded in 1967 in response to a growing awareness of the value of the historic buildings of Northern Ireland and the threats to their survival.

Over the last 50 years, the UAH has established itself as the lead independent voice for the historic built environment across the nine counties of Ulster. The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society has a founded reputation as a fearless campaigning body for historic buildings, a generous resource of information on local architecture and a source of advice on conservation. It is widely recognised as one of the most active of such groups in the British Isles and has pioneered a number of important initiatives.

When the UAH was founded there was no statutory listing in the province. UAH campaigns led to the establishment of listed building legislation here in 1972. Soon after, the Grand Opera House and the Palm House at Botanic Gardens were among the first historic buildings to be listed in Northern Ireland. There was no Historic Buildings Council; no historic buildings grants; no conservation areas; and no public buildings record and no built heritage at risk register. All those things now exist, and the UAH has played no small part in their formation.

UAH continues to be the lead advocate for Ulster’s historic buildings.  Our events, publications and projects aim to support the Society’s role in promoting the historic environment, its protection, conservation and heritage led regeneration for people and communities.