HOW to conserve traditional buildings was the subject of a free seminar in Ionad Cois Locha, Dún Lúiche on Saturday, July 4 attended by 140 people.
The seminar emphasised the need to apply best practice to maintaining and restoring traditional buildings.
Concerns were expressed by a number of speakers about the inappropriate renovation of vernacular buildings that can damage the historical character and heritage value of traditional buildings. It was recommended that homeowners intending to undertake work to traditional buildings should seek advice and consent from Donegal County Council prior to starting work in order to avoid penalties such as fines, funding ineligibility or prosecution.
The seminar was organised by the County Donegal Heritage Office as part of the implementation of the County Donegal Heritage Plan with support from The Heritage Council.
Among the guest speakers were:
- Barry O’Reilly, National Built Heritage Service, who outlined the importance of County Donegal’s vernacular architecture and national initiatives to conserve it;
- Marion McGarry, Atlantic Technological University, who highlighted some of the traditions and customs associated with the vernacular cottage;
- Manus Deery, Historic Environment Division, who profiled the status of traditional buildings in Northern Ireland;
- Duncan McLaren, Dedalus Architecture, who highlighted some of the ways to sensitively conserve traditional buildings;
- Collette Beattie, Donegal County Council, who set out the various grant schemes available for vernacular buildings; and
- Paul Finucane & Denise McDaid from Inishowen who spoke about their experience of restoring their traditional house.
Clodagh Doyle from the National Museum of Ireland spoke about the importance of the hearth and furnishings in the Weaver’s Cottage at Ionad Cois Locha.
There were four craftsmen demonstrating traditional skills:
- Damien Condon from Calx Renders in County Tipperary who demonstrated lime mortar preparation and application;
- Brian Lafferty from Inishowen who demonstrated rope thatching and thatch materials;
- Pat Harkin from Gort a’ Choirce who demonstrated stone and slate roof repairs; and
- David McFerran from County Down who demonstrated timber sash window repair.
Guest speakers and event organisers at the free vernacular architecture seminar in Ionad Cois Locha, Dún Lúiche on Saturday, July 4, as shown by Paul McGuckin’s photos.
Denise McDaid, Máire Ní Fhearraigh, Colm Murray, Collette Beattie & Duncan McLaren.
Paul Finucane, Dr. Barry O’Reilly, Dr. Marion McGarry, Clodagh Doyle, Manus Deery, David McFerran and Dr. Joseph Gallagher.
A section of the audience of 140 people who attended the free vernacular architecture seminar in Ionad Cois Locha, Dún Lúiche on Saturday, July 4. Photo: Paul McGuckin
Clodagh Doyle, National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park, spoke about the importance of the hearth and traditional furnishings to an audience in the Weaver’s Cottage at Ionad Cois Locha. Photo: Paul McGuckin.
Damien Condon, Calx renders who demonstrated the preparation and application of lime renders. Photo: Paul McGuckin.
Brian Lafferty who discussed the use of thatching materials and demonstrated the skill of rope thatching. Photo: Paul McGuckin.
David McFerran demonstrating the repair of timber sash windows. Photo: Paul McGuckin.
Stone and slate roof model used by Pat Harkin to demonstrate historic roof repairs. Photo: Joseph Gallagher.