Donegal County Council Logo

Menu

Home > Culture > Heritage > Heritage homepage

'Rural Houses of Donegal' Free Seminar

County Donegal Heritage Office, Donegal County Council in association with the County Donegal Heritage Forum and The Heritage Council presents:

 

‘Rural Houses of Donegal’ Seminar

Parochial Hall, Carraig Airt / Carrigart, County Donegal

Saturday, October 18, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 

FULLY BOOKED

 

The aims of the free seminar are to:

  • raise awareness of County Donegal's vernacular architecture,
  • disseminate information on traditional building methods, materials and skills in County Donegal,
  • highlight sources of information on researching your traditional home,
  • promote best practice in the conservation of vernacular architecture, and
  • convey the built heritage and cultural significance of our traditional buildings.     

 

Guest speakers at the free seminar will include:

  • Fidelma Mullane, Cultural Geographer who will discuss thatching - its significance, conservation and repair - and the vernacular house in County Donegal;
  • Barry O'Reilly, Architectural Historian & Archaeologist, will address the often-overlooked corrugated-iron buildings of County Donegal;
  • Edward Byrne, Traditional Lime Company will outline traditional building methods and materials including the use of lime;
  • Duncan McLaren, Grade I Conservation Architect, Dedalus Architecture will discuss his recent research on tar and canvas roofs in Inishowen; and  
  • Dermot Nolan, Dermot Nolan & Associates will outline some common problems with vernacular buildings and how to address and repair them.

 

In the afternoon at Teach John Mhicí Bán in Carrigart, there will be several craftsmen demonstrating traditional building skills relating to thatching, use of lime mortar, quarried-slate roofs, sash window repair and historic paintwork.  Participants will also have the opportunity to visit Teach John Mhicí Bán and a private collection of farming equipment and implements displayed in the farmyard of this traditional two-storey house.  Seminar participants will also receive a free information pack (including information on built heritage grant schemes) at registration and a light lunch will be provided.  There will be an open questions-and-answers session with the guest speakers before lunch.  The seminar is an action of the County Donegal Heritage Plan and is funded by Donegal County Council and The Heritage Council. 

 

The seminar is free and open to everyone but places are limited so early booking is strongly advised.  If you would like to book a place at the ‘Rural Houses of Donegal’ seminar, contact the Donegal County Museum on (074) 912 4613 or by e-mail at: [email protected] 

 

 

Download 'Rural Houses of Donegal' Seminar Brochure