Understanding the Context of Irish vernacular buildings

Event details

Presented by SPAB Ireland

The second lecture in the 10-part on-line series, 'Conserving Irish Vernacular Houses'

The series is part of the SPAB Ireland Vernacular Irish Buildings Campaign 2021 and is generously supported by the Heritage Council under the Heritage Sector Support Fund 2021

Lecture 2: Understanding the Context of Irish vernacular buildings

Wednesday 25 August 2021, 19.00 -  20.30 

Live Online Lecture

Individual lectures
£5/€6 pp - SPAB members
£6/€7 pp - Non-members 

Book all lectures 
£4.30/€5 each - Members
£5/€6 each - Non-members

Lecture description:

The talk will present a broad picture of our vernacular heritage from the scale of small objects to that of landscapes. It will examine what makes our vernacular distinctive and look at its place in the world. Deep traditions are at the heart of all vernacular, because the vernacular in its various manifestations forms the most fundamental part of our cultural heritage. The talk will also signpost the forthcoming national strategy for the built vernacular with its emphasis on understanding, minding and handing on, and having ‘gentle rehabilitation’ as its cornerstone.

About the speaker:

Barry O'Reilly

Since studying archaeology and folklore/folklife forty years ago, Barry O’Reilly has been enthusing about our built vernacular heritage, speaking on the matter throughout Ireland and abroad, lecturing in folklife/vernacular (UCD), conservation (TCD) and elsewhere, written Living under Thatch (2004) and co-written Ballyknockan: a Wicklow stone-cutters village (1997), numerous articles for journals, and is also editor for Europe for the revised volume of the Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World. Barry has been based at the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage since 2003 and is currently putting the finishing touches to a national three-year strategy for our built vernacular heritage. He is also a slightly deranged fan of corrugated iron and, over the last decade, our vernacular settlements/hamlets and what is known as the vernacular (or traditional) landscape. 

About SPAB Ireland:

SPAB Ireland was established in 2017 as the inaugural Irish branch of the SPAB. Following the return of several recent Irish SPAB Fellows and Scholars to live and work in Ireland, the lack of an SPAB presence has been acutely felt. After a successful open meeting in February 2017, we have established a committee and have started planning how we will bring the SPAB philosophy and ethos to Ireland.

The lecture will be recorded and available to watch on demand for a limited time after the live presentation. Bookings must be made in advance to receive this recording link.

IT requirements: Please note that this is an online lecture and will be held via a webinar platform (Zoom). You will be sent instructions on how to join the session the day before the lecture. To participate, all you need is an internet connection, and a laptop, computer or phone with the ability to play video and audio. 

Accessibility: please contact the Group Organiser before booking to discuss any special access requirements.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Image Credit: Barry O'Reilly