Under the auspices of Robert Lloyd Praeger the Clare Island survey of 1909-1911 followed a similar survey that was executed on Lambay Island in 1905 and 1906. Without Robert Lloyd Praeger's various skills in archaeology, quaternary geology, marine biology and botany the multidisciplinary study of 1909-1911 would not have been successfully completed. In April 1908 a committee was especially established consisting of prominent characters such as R.F. Scharff, R.L. Praeger, R.M. Barrington, G.A.J. Cole, N. Colgan and W.H. Lett. (New Survey of Clare Island, 1999). The era in which this committee was created has been described as the "golden age of Irish natural history studies". (New Survey of Clare Island, p. v, 1999) Indeed, the onset of the 20^th Century witnessed an unbiased approach from amateurs and professionals alike, endeavouring to discover some of the curiousities of the natural environment. Their antiquarian approach proved that no boundaries existed between the north (Belfast Naturalists' Field Club) and south (the Dublin Naturalists'Field Club) based societies and women were as eagerly accepted into the survey as the men. Maltilda Cullen Knowles, botanist, and Gulielma Lister, specialist on Mycetozoa, are two of the women who participated in the Clare Island biological survey.

The 1909-1911 biological survey of Clare Island was the first of its kind ever conducted in the world. Infact, even today it is still the principal survey in Ireland and Britain.. The antiquarian approach of the past survey paved a path for the present surveys. Various differences between the old survey of 1909-1911 and the present survey of 1990-2000 are obvious Though the old survey was scientific a great sense of antiquarianism prevailed. Thomas Johnson Westropp proved a pioneer in his field with his significant archaeological survey of the Holy Islands. Westropp recorded various monuments. More importantly he noted the structure and the wallpaintings of St Brigid’s Abbey. The sketchings of his recordings have proved invaluable even today.

The greatest difference between the old and new survey exist in the technological advantages, knowledge of time and the participants. Professionals, today have conducted various technical analysis on the wallpaintings that Westropp had previously noted uncovered. Also, the present survey revealed paintings that Westropp had never noted before. The participants today are exclusive specialists in their chosen fields of conservation coming from Ireland and all over Europe. The advantages of these specialities are evidenced in the archaeological survey that uncovered numbers of fulachta fiadh. Also the conservators can envisage proper techniques to conserve the wallpaintings that Westropp found almost impossible.

The technological approach to the study of the wallpaintings in St Brigid's Abbey has resurrected new complications. The development of science has resulted in arguments regarding conservation and restoration of the paintings. Subjective interpretation, which might be incorrect, is required with restoration. Also mass tourism to the island, creates a new threat for the conservation of the Abbey and the surrounding prehistorical monuments. Unlike the old survey, the professionals today are not solely focusing on a study of the environment. The issue of integrating an understanding, appreciation and function of the Abbey with the islanders is paramount.

To conclude it appeared that the pioneering surveyors were connected to the land and culture. Presently the aim is to use skills and scientific methods to link the rich cultural Heritage of Clare Island with its people. The project may appear to be primarily locally based. Ultimately, however, the small island of Cliara off the west of Ireland is undeniably part of the larger landscape of what is now termed the "European community".

by Liz Thomas.