Date: -
Audience: General interest
Price:
£165
Event details
Friday 21 August, 8.30am - Sunday 23 August, around 2pm
This Working Party will take place at a traditional north Clare farm complex, where you’ll gain hands-on experience of the care and repair of vernacular farm buildings. There’ll be a particular focus on traditional stone roofing, masonry, lime-based repair and the conservation of historic building fabric. The weekend will be led by Richard Jordan, Sara-Mae Jordan and Eóin Madigan, bringing together expertise in traditional roofing, built heritage, stone masonry and lime practice.
The site, made up of a low single-storey farmhouse with attached lean-to and pitched stone-roofed sheds, surviving flag paths and stone surfaces to the interiors of the outbuildings, offers a valuable opportunity to understand how local materials, craft traditions and building forms shaped the character of north Clare farm complexes. Participants will learn about the significance of stone slate roofs, traditional repair approaches, and the importance of using appropriate materials and methods when working with historic buildings.
There will be opportunities to observe demonstrations, take part in practical work where appropriate, and ask questions throughout the weekend. The format is intended to support shared learning, discussion and exchange between craftspeople, conservation professionals, building owners, volunteers, and those with an interest in traditional buildings.
Our Working Parties are a unique opportunity to have a go at a range of conservation techniques on real historic buildings, under the expert supervision of world-class specialists.
Who is it for?
We welcome anyone with an interest in old buildings and a desire to get their hands dirty, so whether you’re an old hand on the tools or you’ve never picked up a trowel before, you’ll be among friends here.
You will need
Sturdy footwear (steel toe boots preferred)
Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing
Reusable water bottle and coffee cup
Gloves (if you have them)
Hard hat
High-vis jacket
Tent and camping gear (if staying on site)
Torch/headlamp for camping
How to get there
By car
Liscannor is located on the west Clare coast, close to Lahinch, Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher.
Please allow extra time for travel, particularly during busy visitor periods around the Cliffs of Moher and Lahinch.
By bus
The nearest bus stop is Liscannor, served by Bus Éireann Route 350, which runs between Galway and Ennis via Kinvara, Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher.
Bus Éireann lists Route 350 as serving Galway to Ennis via the Cliffs of Moher.
Participants travelling by public transport should check the latest timetable in advance, as services and times may change.
The nearest larger transport hub is Ennis Bus Station, with onward connections available by Route 350 to Liscannor.
Accessibility
The wider site is not level and has no steps, but the area where work will take place is level.
Supporters
This project has been funded by The Heritage Council
Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email membership@spab.org.uk.
Photos and filming:We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online. Participants may take photos and short videos for personal use, with permission of the course leader and all other participants in frame. If you want to post on social media, please message SPAB's Comms Team (press@spab.org.uk or @spab1877) for permission. If your material is good, we might ask to share it with our followers.
All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Photo credit: Sarah-Jane Halpin