Legacies

Save…Share…and Sustain

The Irish Landmark Trust Company Limited by Guarantee was founded in 1992 with a remit to save interesting and unusual ‘landmark’ properties throughout the whole of Ireland and to re-use them, once restored, as good quality self-catering holiday accommodation. At its heart is the principle that the structure itself is of prime importance and any interventions must respect this.

Irish Landmark is recognised as a charity, and is incorporated as a not-for-profit company in the Republic of Ireland and, separately, in Northern Ireland.

The work of Irish Landmark can be summarised as ‘SAVE, SHARE and SUSTAIN.

The benefits of our work are enjoyed by more than our visitors. The morale of a village can be lifted by the rehabilitation of its most interesting landmark building. Visitors introduce tourist revenue. Craftsmen and craftswomen are given scope to revive traditional skills. And wasteful decay or demolition gives way to the sensible recycling of Ireland’s valuable architectural stock.

 

The Value of a Legacy

The Irish Landmark Trust needs money if it is to continue its work of saving landmark buildings. Each year, Irish Landmark has to turn down a number of properties that merit our attention simply because we do not have the funds to restore or conserve them.   It is for this reason that we seek support from like minded people who wish to contribute to the preservation of these wonderful buildings and, in doing so, enrich the lives of many people.

Gifts left to us in wills could be an important future source of income. A legacy, or charitable bequest, to Irish Landmark could give new life to a historic building. And it could provide future generations with the opportunity to experience how our ancestors lived.

 

Types of Charitable Bequests

There are three types of bequest.

• A specific bequest is of an identifiable value. For example, a specific euro amount, a specific percentage of the value of the estate, or a specific property.
• A residual bequest is made after the estate pays all debts, taxes, expenses and specific bequests. The remaining amount, the residue, is paid to the charity.
• A contingent bequest designates that a charity receives all or portion of the estate under certain circumstances (for example, only if there are no surviving family members).

Irish Landmark Trust is pleased to accept both cash and non-cash gifts. Non-cash gifts can include property, furniture or paintings which may be used by Irish Landmark or, if agreed with the donor, sold to raise funds for Landmark’s work.

 

Next Steps

Small or large, every gift we receive in a will makes an important contribution to our work. If you want to remember the Irish Landmark Trust in your will this is what you need to do:

1. Talk to a solicitor or a professional advisor.

If you don’t already have a will, it is advisable to talk to a solicitor who will be able to draft one for you. This won’t cost much and is essential if you want to be assured that your wishes are carried out. If you already have a will, it is easy for your solicitor to add your gift by using what is called a ‘ codicil’.  Advice on how to find a solicitor can be found on www.mylegacy.ie.

2. Think about what you are going to leave.

Before you meet your solicitor it’s worth thinking about what you’d like to leave to Irish Landmark. You will need to consider both what you own and what you owe. In that way you will know how much you have and you can consider whom you would like to leave it to.

3. How would you like to make your gift?

Once you have made provision for your family and other loved ones, you can look at how you would like to leave your make your gift. As already outlined, you can leave a specific bequest or a residual bequest.

An example of the wording to use in your will is:

“I give and bequeath the sum of €[amount in figures] ([amount in words]) to The Irish Landmark Trust, 25 Eustace Street, Dublin 2 (CHY 10937) for the general charitable purposes of the said body and on the failing of such body to such similar body as my executors shall elect. The receipt of the appropriate officer of the said Society shall be sufficient receipt to my executors for the payment of the said sum.”

Your solicitor will advise you on the precise wording to use in order for your wishes to be reflected in your will.

4. Your executors

Your executors are the people who will be responsible for ensuring your wishes are carried out. It’s worth thinking carefully about who you appoint as executors. They can be family members, or close friends. Professional advisors such as a solicitor often act as executors.

 

Recognition

A will is a very personal document and many will want to keep its details private. If you are comfortable about revealing your intentions to us, we shall appreciate the opportunity to thank you for your generosity and to discuss with you how best to use your gift. All legacies will be acknowledged after receipt (unless the donor wishes otherwise).