4.10.1 Introduction

Landscape is the context in which all change takes place and helps to create a unique sense

of place or identity within an area. Landscape supports a wide range of ecological habitats

despite growth in population.

Landscapes, in general terms, are areas that are perceived by people which are made up of

a number of layers:

landforms that are the result of geological and geomorphological activity;

land cover, which can include natural forces, such as vegetation and water, and

manmade settlements; and

human values, which are a result of human understandings and interactions with

landform and land cover.

The landscape of Ireland is varied with a mix of lowland and upland, rivers, lakes and shores.

The majority of uplands in Ireland are close to the coast, with 45 peaks which exceed 750m

and of which are within 56km from the coast. However, most of the landmass of Ireland,

particularly the centre, is low-lying land. Less than 5% of the total landmass lies above 500m

and over 80% is below 200m.