Publications
This is the Architecture publications section. Here you can find all publications, reports and presentations for this heritage area of interest.
Built Heritage Conservation & Ecological Sustainable Development (2012)
The conservation of the built heritage has a contribution to make to the achievement of environmental balance in human affairs, or ‘sustainable development’. There are many interesting overlaps between the building conservation and sustainable development.
Download Built Heritage Conservation & Ecological Sustainable Development here [PDF 2.2MB].
Economic Value of Ireland's Historic Environment (2012)
Ireland’s historic environment supports over 35,000 jobs and contributes in the order of €1.5 billion to the national economy, according to research commissioned by the Heritage Council.
Download Economic Value of Ireland's Historic Environment here [PDF 1.1MB].
Grant Aid for Building Conservation 'Quanta' Research (2011)
Prepared by Carrig Conservation International Ltd in association with Louise Harrington & Integral Finance Technology Ltd. upon instruction from the Heritage Council, this study on grant-giving in Ireland makes the case for continued state authority funding of a wide range of built heritage grants. The study also outlines the growing interest in ‘preventative maintenance’ and how to achieve value for money in grant-giving for building conservation.
The study was funded as an action of The Government Policy on Architecture 2009 – 2015, as a preliminary study for Action 18 (- to review financial assistance and tax relief for built heritage conservation).
Download the Full Report here [PDF 780KB].
Download the Executive Summary here [PDF 386KB].
Download the Technical Appendix here [PDF 353MB].
What is Curtilage?: Useful Principles for Protected Structures (2010)
Protection of a protected structures extends to the land and structures lying within its curtilage. ‘Curtilage’ is the area of ground directly connected with the functioning or inhabitation of a structure, such as a yard, a basement or a passageway to the structure. In this article, Colm Murray, Architecture Officer, outlines the findings of a study on curtilage undertaken by the Heritage Council.
Passed to the Future: The Bishop's Palace (2008)
The Heritage Council saw the potential of this building in its search for a permanent headquarters in Kilkenny. It was larger than the incumbent bishop needed, and agreement was reached for the Heritage Council to purchase and conserve the building and part of the site.
Download Passed to the Future: The Bishop's Palace here [PDF 4.5MB].
Archaeological Investigations: The Robing Room, Heritage Council HQ, Kilkenny (2011)
Prepared by Kilkenny Archaeology. An archaeological building recording and excavation project was undertaken in April-May 2011 at the Robing Room, Church Lane, Kilkenny. The Robing Room is a little-known neo-classical garden pavilion situated amongst a suite of medieval and early modern ecclesiastical buildings in the Close of Saint Canice’s Cathedral. As part of a wider conservation scheme for the Heritage Council’s headquarters, repairs to the Robing Room commenced in 2010 and will continue into 2012. Archaeologists were commissioned by the Heritage Council to study the building with a view to gaining a better understanding of its architectural history and its immediate archaeological context. The report by Kilkenny Archaeology provides a preliminary description of the investigations and their results, and will be supplemented in due course by specialist reports and further interpretation.
Guidance for the Care, Conservation & Recording of Historic Graveyards (2011)
Our historic graveyards are places of intense human activity. Along with providing a resting place for our departed and a place of remembrance, graveyards are of immense heritage value as sites of archaeological and architectural interest, as wildlife habitats and as repositories of local genealogy, sculpture and art. Across the Irish landscape countless generations erected churches for worship, round towers, enclosure walls, crypts and gravestones. In short, there is a lot we can learn from our historic cemeteries and this book will help unlock much of that information by assisting communities and researchers.
Download Guidance for the Care, Conservation & Recording of Historic Graveyards here [PDF 7.3MB].
Record of Protected Structures - Draft List (2011)
The Heritage Council has estimated that there are 38,171 protected structures in Ireland. It has published an index to the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) held by each planning authority. For the moment it should be considered as a work in progress, but it provides a framework for keeping tabs on the total numbers.
Download Record of Protected Structures - Draft List [PDF 125KB].
The Robing Room Conservation Works 2010-2011
The garden of Áras na hOidhreachta (Heritage Council HQ) contains an C18th Robing Room of significant architectural heritage value. This report sets out the architectural and historic significance of the structure and describes the present condition of the building. It documents proposed restoration, conservation and maintenance works which have the objective of restoring the preexisting character of the building.
Download the Robing Room Conservation Works 2010-2011 here [PDF 4.3MB].
Wicklow Town – A Gallery of Shopfronts (2010)
Prepared by Wicklow Town Forum & Wicklow County Council. This is an inventory of shopfronts in Wicklow Town Centre along with guidance for their ongoing repair and renewal. The publication highlights the important role of shopfronts in contributing to the unique and historic character of towns and villages, and seeks to provide practical guidance and promote good practice among shopowners and others. Hard copies are available on request from Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer, Wicklow County council dburns@wicklowcoco.ie.
Download Wicklow Town – A Gallery of Shopfronts [PDF 13.3MB].
Bats, Birds, Buildings & You (2009)
Many of our birds and all of our bats species are vulnerable to human interference and if they nest or roost in a building, they can be harmed by any renovation or restoration works to it.
Download Bats, Birds, Buildings & You (En) here [PDF 1.1MB].
Download Bats, Birds, Buildings & You (Gg) here [PDF 1.1MB].
Download Bats, Birds, Buildings & You Additional Information [PDF 2.5MB].
Traditional Buildings On Irish Farms (2005)
'Traditional Buildings On Irish Farms' outlines the significance of Ireland's Farm Heritage from the 'Big House' farm to small farmyards and how practices have changed over the years. It also provides insights into how to protect Irelands Farm Heritage or the future and offers guidelines for the repair and maintenance of traditional buildings and farmyards.
Download Traditional Buildings On Irish Farms here [PDF 2.5MB]
The Care Of Stained Glass (2004)
A practical guide to the conservation and preservation of stained glass.
Financial Support for Architectural Conservation in Ireland (2003)
As a major provider of support to the architectural heritage of Ireland, particularly through its grant-giving role, the Heritage Council is in a unique position to have a national perspective on the financial issues surrounding supports for owners of historic buildings in Ireland, both in the public and private sectors.
Having observed the difficulties experienced by owners and funding bodies, and at times the apparent anomalies which exist, the Council commissioned research on the various methods of support and their effectiveness in providing access to funding and achieving high standards of conservation. Based on the findings of this research, a number of recommendations have emerged, which if implemented would, in the Council’s opinion, provide greater efficiency and quality as well as cost-effective support for our architectural heritage.
Download Financial Support for Architectural Conservation in Ireland here [PDF 200KB].
Policies & Priorities: Building Regulations & the National Heritage (Recommendations) (1999)
This research aims to examine the impact of building construction law, regulation and practice on historic buildings, to investigate the situation elsewhere, and to make recommendations, where judged appropriate, for policy initiatives which might be taken in the area.
Download Policies & Priorities: Building Regulations & the National Heritage here [PDF 58.5KB].
Taking Stock of our Ecclesiastical Heritage (1997)
This volume includes papers given at 'Taking Stock of our Ecclesiastical Heritage', a seminar held by the Heritage Council in February 1997 in Kilkenny Castle. The aim of this conference was to draw attention to this important element of our heritage - the heritage of churches - by launching the Survey of Churches in Ireland, as well as giving advice on basic care of churches and their contents.
Download Taking Stock of our Ecclesiastical Heritage here [PDF 7.1MB].
Irish Thatched Roofs: Is Their Future A Thing Of The Past?
The Heritage Council recognises the thatched house as an important part of Ireland’s heritage. The purpose of this paper is to promote an integrated approach to Government on the subject of thatching, to involve all interested parties in the debate and discussion and to attempt to achieve consensus about issues.
Copies of this document are available free of charge by contacting The Heritage Council on 00353 (0)56 777 0777.
A Wexford Farmstead: The Conservation of an 18th Century Farmstead in County Wexford
A Wexford Farmstead tells the story of Mayglass Farm and its former occupants and it outlines the crucial conservation work of the Heritage Council. Of special interest to architects and folklorists, to teachers and historians, A Wexford Farmstead will also appeal to everyone who cares about Ireland's tradition of vernacular buildings and their importance to the country's heritage.
You can view more on the Wexford Farmstead by visiting the Mayglass website.
Copies of this document are available by contacting the Heritage Council on 00353 (0)56 777 0777.
Newtown Jerpoint, County Kilkenny (2007)
The deserted medieval borough of Newtown Jerpoint, County Kilkenny, located to the west of the Cistercian Abbey of Jerpoint, was once an important town. While Jerpoint is a well-known State property, the importance of Newtown Jerpoint is recognised mostly within academic circles. Its medieval church of St Nicholas now stands in ruins amid the grassed-over streets and the mounds of former houses. This Conservation Plan presents the significant historic documentation for Newtown Jerpoint, notably the first survey of the site in over 150 years.
Download Conservation Plan: Newtown Jerpoint, County Kilkenny [PDF 5.31MB].
Bolton Library, County Tipperary (2007)
The Bolton Library, Cashel, is one of Ireland’s great, but little known treasures. The bequest of Archbishop Bolton, it provides a rich insight into the cultured milieu in which such a patron lived and the wide breadth of his learning and aspirations. It complements other such collections in Ireland, from the same period, such as the Worth Library and Marsh’s Library, both in Dublin. The donation of the Bolton Library to subsequent generations provided a legacy beyond price.
Download Conservation Plan: Bolton Library, County Tipperary [PDF 5.15MB].
Lemanaghan, County Offaly (2007)
The historic complex at Lemanaghan, with its focus at the early monastic site dedicated to St Managhan, is located at the crossroads between the main Ferbane-to-Ballycumber road, and the Lemanaghan-to-Pollagh road. Close by are a holy well and tree. Linked to these by a medieval trackway or togher is a further Early Christian site known locally as ‘Kell’, or St Mella’s Cell. (St Mella is said to be the mother of St Managhan.)
View Conservation Plan: Lemanaghan, County Offaly [PDF 1.96MB].
A Guide to Cork City's Historical Plaques & Signs (2006)
Published by Cork City Council. Historic Plaques are to be found throughout Cork City, on street corners, bridges, above shop fronts and houses and in gardens and parks. Some commemorate achievements by outstanding individuals; others highlight special or sacred places and structures, while more again mark street names and laneways. Collectively, plaques in Cork emphasise the enormous diversity of Cork’s Heritage - from ballerinas to breweries.
A Guide to Cork City’s Historic Plaques and Signs was officially launched by the Lord Mayor Councillor Deirdre Clune on Wednesday 14th June 2006 in the Cork Vision Centre, North Main Street, Cork.
This publication was produced following on from a study undertaken by the Cork City Council with the support of the Heritage Council. It highlights a selection of the plaques that were recorded during this study. A full record of known plaques are listed to the back of the publication. This publication seeks to encourage both the citizens of Cork and its many visitors to stop and observe the craftsmanship of these plaques and the story that they tell.
Download A Guide to Cork City's Historical Plaques & Signs [PDF 1.8MB].
A Guide to Historic Ironwork in Cork City (2006)
Published by Cork City Council. This booklet provides an introduction to the history of Historic Ironwork in Cork City. It includes information on the various styles, materials and properties of Historic Ironwork in the city and helps to highlight the distinctive character and tradition of this ironwork. The booklet also illustrates the incredible variety of Ironwork in the City from railings, gates, balconies, door panels and boot scrapers to lamp posts and bridges. The booklet also offers advice on how best to maintain this important element of the Heritage of Cork City.
Download A Guide to Historic Ironwork in Cork City here [PDF 5.4MB].
A Guide to Protected Structures in Cork City (2006)
Published by Cork City Council. Cork is a city which is steeped in history and Heritage. The built environment of Cork illustrates the special character and uniqueness of the city through its buildings and structures. In a city that is rapidly changing it is worth acknowledging and celebrating our Built Heritage while also looking to the future as the buildings we erect today will be our legacy for future generations.
This guide provides practical introduction to Protected Structures in Cork City and seeks to provide general information and advice to members of the public, building owners and occupiers. The publication also gives an insight into some of the fascinating buildings and structures. It is hoped that this booklet will clarify facts and dispel myths on what a protected designation means, how it is made and why and what assistance is available to help owners and those entrusted with the care of such structures.
Download A Guide to Protected Structures in Cork City here [PDF 236KB].
Guidance Notes for the Appraisal of Historic Gardens, Demesnes, Estates & their Settings (2006)
Published by Cork County Council. The aim of the Guidance Notes for the Appraisal of Historic Gardens, Demesnes, Estates and their Settings is to provide a steer to developers who are planning development within designed landscapes as to how to design such development to minimise impacts on its setting, and how to appraise such impacts. Cork County Council has won an award from the IPI and the UK Landscape Institute for this guidance.
Guide to Recording of Built Heritage (2006)
Published by Cork County Council. The aim of the Guide to Recording of Built Heritage is to promote awareness of built heritage and to guide community groups, school groups and heritage organisations with an interest in collecting heritage information in their local area how they can carry out a survey of their built heritage.
Inventory of Archaeological & Architectural Sources for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (2005)
Published by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The Inventory of Archaeological and Architectural Sources for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is intended to be the first port of call for anyone undertaking research into the built heritage of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
Download Inventory of Archaeological & Architectural Sources for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown [PDF 3.2MB].
Russborough House, County Wicklow (2005)
Mark Bence-Jones (1978) described Russborough as ‘arguably the most beautiful house in Ireland’ — and there are few who would disagree, given the perfection of its architectural form and the quality of its interiors. Add to this the integrity of the estate, the importance of the designed landscape, its setting on the western side of the Wicklow Hills, and the association with the Leeson and Beit families who created two of the most significant collections of art in Ireland, and it is immediately clear that Russborough is a very important historic place.
Download Russborough House, County Wicklow Conservation Plan [PDF 4.98MB].
St. Mary's Church & Graveyard Conservation Plan (2005)
This conservation plan is the outcome of a conservation-focused study of St. Mary’s Church and Graveyard in the centre of Kilkenny City. The study team was comprised of archaeologists, building history researchers, a structural engineer, conservation architects, building and stone material consultants, and a landscape architect.
The Plan includes a brief historical background study of St Mary’s Church and Graveyard, a detailed scaled survey of the site and a physical study of the site, its monuments and buildings as they are currently. These studies have helped to lead to an understanding of the site and its components, their
contribution to the integrity of the site, and the issues it faces.
Download St. Mary's Church & Graveyard Conservation Plan here [PDF 2.9MB].
Henrietta Street Conservation Plan (2004)
This Conservation Plan was commissioned by Dublin City Council, as an action of the Dublin City Heritage Plan, and was co-funded by the Heritage Council. Henrietta Street ranks amongst the more important architectural and urban ensembles of this country.
The objectives of this plan are to:
- Re-affirm the significance of Henrietta Street;
- To identify the issues which currently undermine the importance of the street;
- To set out policies (with the consensus of the various stakeholders), aimed at protecting the aspects of the street which are of importance into the future.
St. Brendan's Cathedral, County Galway (2004)
The Cathedral of St Brendan, situated in the peaceful village of Clonfert in County Galway, was once a major centre for worship and learning. Its magnificent Romanesque doorway is famous internationally for the beauty of its carved sandstone detail, and the symbolism of its iconography. Many experts have studied, analysed and written about its history, its associations, and its importance in the ecclesiastical heritage of the country.
Download Conservation Plan: St. Brendan's Cathedral, Clonfert, County Galway [PDF 5.88MB].
Saint Lachtain's Church, County Kilkenny (2004)
The Church of Saint Lachtain in Freshford, County Kilkenny is a place of great antiquity. Its Romanesque porch, facing as it does a busy thoroughfare, is too often passed at a pace which allows no appreciation of its importance. This Conservation Plan clearly and unequivocally states the significance of this monument and gives the church a prominence in the ecclesiastical history of Ireland which had hitherto been largely unrecognised.
Download Saint Lachtain's Church, Freshford, County Kilkenny Conservation Plan [PDF 4.79MB].
Recording & Conserving Ireland's Industrial Heritage (2002)
The remains of our industrial past can be seen throughout the country: bridges, canals, railways and stores still in use, all bear testimony to the work of past generations. However, there are other signs too – derelict buildings, rusting machinery, lone chimneys marking the sites of once-thriving industries. The Heritage Council is conscious of this often-neglected part of our heritage, and in this publication seeks to raise awareness of what we have as well as giving simple guidance as to how to record and conserve it.
View Recording & Conserving Ireland's Industrial Heritage [pdf 7.5mb].
Conservation Plan: Rothe House, County Kilkenny (2002)
Rothe House is one of the earliest and most important historic places in Kilkenny, and indeed in the entire region. Saved from a very uncertain future by the dedication and tireless voluntary work of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Rothe House now looks forward to its sixth century in the heart of Kilkenny’s city life.
Download Rothe House, County Kilkenny Conservation Plan [PDF 4.14MB].