Goggin Cottage – an Irish Landmark project

Goggin Cottage is the last surviving thatched cottage in the village of Kildimo in Co.Limerick. Dating back to the late 1800s, it’s an important building of its type.  BUT..it’s very survival was at risk when Irish Landmark was asked to get involved.   It had been uninhabited since the late 1990s.  The thatch was failing and no longer able to withstand the heavy rains that were experienced during 2007.  It had become sodden – and so heavy with water that the roof was causing the mud walls of the cottage to bulge and belly out.  At this point it was hard to know which could collapse first:  the thatch or the walls.  The building needed an intervention to put it on life support and bring it back from the brink.  Props were inserted to lift and support the roof and steel ties were inserted into the walls to pull them back together.   At a cost of c.€10,000 these two simple actions saved the building and bought us some time.

An application for a grant to re-thatch followed – because putting a new thatch roof on the building was key to its long term survival . This application was successful and the cottage was re-thatched.

But Goggin still has a long way to go before it is restored.   We’re urgently seeking to raise the necessary funds to complete the interior work – introduce power and water.  We want to bring this property full back to life and allow it to ‘live’ again.  For us that means bringing people to come and stay in it and add new stories.

If you think you can help us…call Diana at +353 1 6704733

Trip to Valentia Island

Over the weekend of 20-22 May three of us – Karen our Bookings Officer, Dorothy-Ellen our Fundraising Executive and myself, Mary – travelled to Valentia Island in Co.Kerry.   Karen’s boyfriend, Warren, was participating in the island’s annual triathlon.  He was doing this in order to raise money for Irish Landmark, and particularly for the Valentia Lightkeeper’s House project.  Warren was sponsored by his many friends, family and business acquaintances.   We were warmly welcomed by the people of Valentia, and we are particularly grateful to Fiona and Vinny of the Royal Valentia Hotel.   They provided us with a table in the room where the triathletes were registering, and allowed us to run a small raffle over the weekend to raise aware of Irish Landmark work.

Dorothy-Ellen and myself headed out at 9am on our journey to Valentia. It was a lovely day and we enjoyed the scenery and sunshine as we drove down the road.  (As we passed by Moneygall, we couldn’t fail to notice the many Irish and American flags hung along the main street of this village as they prepared for the visit on Monday of Barack Obama!)

However, as luck would have it, on Saturday, the day of the triathlon, the wind was blowing at gale force and the rain was pouring down.  Warren hadn’t done a triathlon before and we were all getting anxious for him.  But he was not to be put off.   With all the other many triathletes he launched himself into the water to begin the 750m swim, which was then followed by a 20km cycle and finished with 5km run.   Warren finished in a good time and in remarkably good condition.   We were overjoyed – and so so proud of Warren.   This spirit of engagement with the cause of Irish Landmark, demonstrated by Karen and Warren, is one we want to foster and develop further.

The pictures show Mary and Dorothy-Ellen at the table in the Royal Hotel

The pictures below show Warren coming out of the sea after his swim, and Warren completing the run – the final part of the triathlon.  This third image is so hazy because it was raining so hard at that time.

Warren (orange cap) comes out of the sea after his 750m swim

Warren finishing his run - and the triathlon ! Well done Warren !!

2011 Annual Raffle

On 16 May 2011 we held our 2011 raffle.   Eddie McParland – a trustee of Irish Landmark – was asked to draw the tickets.   The pictures here show Eddie – with Mary and Dorothy Ellen – drawing the tickets.

Eddie drawing the winning tickets

The prizes and prizewinners are:

• 1st Prize – voucher worth €1,500:  Kathy Prendergast, London
• 2nd Prize – voucher worth €800:  Karen Burke & Noreen O’Connell, Co.Limerick
• 3rd Prize – voucher worth €500:  Rosemary Craig, Co.Wicklow

Thanks to all who sold or bought tickets.  We raised just over €9,000:  a little short of our target of €10,000, but enough to ensure that the necessary work at Salterbridge will take place over this summer.

The winning tickets!

Can we Save it? Cromwell Point Lightkeeper’s House, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry

I am just back from a wild and wonderful visit to Cromwell Point. For those of you who don’t know Cromwell Point, it’s tucked away on one of Ireland’s most westerly points on Valentia Island, Co. Kerry. To reach the lighthouse, one has to travel down a long, windy and very bumpy road where at the end lies a hidden architectural gem in the form of a lighthouse and a lightkeeper’s cottage. The lightkeeper’s cottage is a two storey, stone and concrete dwelling with a parapet roof. It is within the walled compound of the lighthouse.  The lighthouse was established in 1841 and was converted to automatic on 4 November 1947. Today, the lightkeeper’s cottage has no use but it would be ideal as a remote holiday home for adventurous travellers.

Cromwell Point Lighthouse – a potential landmark for Kerry?

The lighthouse is unlike other lighthouses that have been restored by the Irish Landmark Trust. This lighthouse is not high on a cliff surveying the sea below. It is only 16 metres above high water on a wave washed rock. This proximity to the sea adds to the sense of adventure and excitement that surrounds the lighthouse. Beside the compound which encloses the cottage and the light tower, is a tiny, sandy beach, perfect for a little boat and embedded in the rocks are mooring rings to tie it up.

Cromwell Point is wonderfully isolated and surrounded by small uninhabited islands. Wheeling seabirds add their lonesome calls to the isolated splendour of the Point.  It is the splendour of it’s setting that makes this an unforgettable place.  Where better to escape from it all and enjoy the rugged coastline of Co. Kerry?

There is no doubt that this property would be a fantastic landmark for Valentia, the question is can we save it? The Irish Landmark Trust is dedicated to restoring Cromwell Point Lightkeeper’s House and perhaps you can help us ensure that the romance of Cromwell Point lives on and is given a new lease of life.

The Irish Landmark Trust is entering the Valentia Island Triathlon on 21 May to raise funds and awareness of our current appeal. We are also actively looking for corporate sponsors and private donations towards this unique and exciting project.  If you have an idea, would like to help or would like some further information on this appeal, please email dorothyellen@irishlandmark.com

waves crashing at Cromwell Point Lighthouse - a wild and remote spot

The Irish Landmark Trust has successfully rescued and restored Galley Head Lightkeepers ‘Houses in Co. Cork, Loop Head Lightkeeper’s House in Co. Clare and Blackhead Lightkeepers’ Houses in Co. Antrim. These properties are available to let for holidays. For further information email bookings@irishlandmark.com Reference this blog for a 5% discount.

New Year Greetings and the challenges ahead

A happy New Year to all those who follow Irish Landmark Trust and who support the Trust – as a guest staying at one of the properties, as a donor/funder, or as a supplier.

Year 2011 will bring many challenges.   A major concern at this time is funding, both for administration and for planned conservation/restoration projects.     The Heritage Council has already indicated that its own budget has been severely cut in the Irish Government’s budget for 2011.   As Irish Landmark core funding is filtered through Heritage Council this will unquestionably impact on the annual administrative grant.   The wider cuts in built heritage funding in the Dept of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will directly affect any future conservation grants – directly from the Department itself or from the local county councils.   More and more Irish Landmark Trust must look to its supporters to help the organisation through these difficult times.    A fundraising intern will join the organisation this month.   The main task to be undertaken by this person will be to approach the many guests who have stayed at Irish Landmark properties since it first welcomed guests (to Wicklow Lighthouse) in 1997, with a request to consider a monthly donation to the Trust.

The mood in this organisation is one of determination – determination to meet all the challenges head on, to be open to all possibilities, and to ensure Irish Landmark Trust survives, so that many more heritage properties may be given new life and a viable and sustainable future.

Let’s hold our heads up high and meet the new year in a positive frame of mind!!

Seminar – St.Werburgh’s Church: Faith, Fabric and Future

The seminar on Tuesday, 23 November 2010 was very successful.   Over 90 people attended on the day. We started in St.Werburgh’s Church where we were first welcomed by

In the graveyard/garden at St.Werburgh's

Archdeacon David Pierpoint.   The church architect, David Young of Hamilton Young Architects told us a little about the church and its architecture.  This was followed by a tour of the building led by Frank Keohane of Paul Arnold Architects, the firm overseeing the current phase of remedial works.  During this tour, which included a visit to the garden/graveyard,  Frank pointed out the important and interesting features of the building.

The next phase took place in the Coach House at Dublin Castle.   This phase was broken down into three sessions – the history and context of St.Werburgh’s; problems faced by it – and many other churches; and finally the future of the church and options for additional uses to secure its future.

The keynote address of the seminar was given by Eric Parry of Eric Parry Architects in London – who was involved in the regeneration project at St.Martin-in-the-Fields Church.

In the graveyard/garden at St.Werburgh's

The following are an example of comments received from participants:

“Thanks again for everything last week for the seminar on St Werburgh’s.  It was quite a remarkable day and so much interest.”

“Thank you for such an interesting and stimulating Seminar at St Werburgh’s and Dublin Castle on Tuesday.  I thought it was absolutely excellent, please pass on my thanks to your colleagues for all their input.”

“Thanks so much for the Seminar, It was just great!”

In St.Werburgh's church

in St.Werburgh's Church

Irish Landmark Trust seminar on St.Werburgh’s Church

Following the very successful seminar last year on two houses in Henrietta Street in Dublin, plans are well in hand for this year’s Irish Landmark seminar (on Tuesday, 23 November) which will focus  on St.Werburgh’s Church in Dublin.  The purpose is to highlight the present plight of the church – both in terms of physical structure and the small faith community currently using it – and to explore options for a sustainable future.  So the programme for the day will first examine the church, historically and geographically; then move to more indepth study of its current plight; and finally consider the future or how to go about examining a potential future.   The key note speaker for the day will be Eric Parry of Eric Parry Architects in London – architects for the award-winning Renewal Project at St.Martin-in-the-Fields church in London.

This promises to be a very interesting day.   The seminar is targeted particularly at conservation architects, those working on church renewal projects and public and civil servants who have a role in decision making about church projects or funding of projects. But an interesting feature of the publicity around the seminar is that some people who have had an historical association with the church have expressed an interest in coming along to hear the talks.  For instance, a couple who were married in the church 50 years ago are planning to attend.  This will add a very present human context to the story of the church and its importance to all those who continue to see it as they place where they come together to worship and share their faith.

Recycle good ‘old’ furniture with Irish Landmark Trust

Recently, Irish Landmark Trust received a query as follows: “My granny has died and we’re trying to clear out her house. But it seems a shame to just throw out furniture items that are still good. They don’t suit our modern home because the sitting room suite is so good we’d be using it ourselves if we could. Even the side chairs are lovely. They just need new homes. Would Irish Landmark take them and put them into the houses it’s restoring?”
Now – not alone would Irish Landmark be delighted to take that furniture – there’s a plan to very soon launch an appeal for suitable furniture. With reduced funding, and fundraising so difficult in these times, we’re going to appeal to the general public to ‘donate’ furniture to the Trust. It will need to be in, at least, reasonable condition – and, if possible, should mostly be older furniture. Where necessary, we can undertake some restoration of the furniture. We’ll also be appealing to auction rooms to let their clients know about Irish Landmark. Do call Irish Landmark if you think you have anything we could use. The link to our website will give you all the contact information you need.

Irish Landmark’s projects

The first post mentioned that Irish Landmark has 21 properties conserved and available for holiday bookings.  It might be surprising to say that even in these difficult economic times the Trust continues to develop new projects.   Conservation work recently commenced at Magherintemple Gate Lodge in Ballycastle, Co.Antrim.    Also, Irish Landmark is developing a partnership arrangement with the Alfred Beit Foundation centred on the conservation and holiday letting of the West Wing at Russborough House in Blessington, Co.Wicklow.

Below are some photos of Magherintemple.  The first shows the exterior….but this is so deceptive.  It makes the lodge look good; almost as though little work is needed to bring it back to life.  But have a look at the next two photos – interior shots; the final picture is taken in the back yard.   How sad it all looks .!

This is the exterior of the lodge - photo taken in 2008

An interior shot in Magherintemple, 2008

Rear room of lodge - early 2010

Detail of lodge in back yard. Photo taken 2008

As the conservation project advances I hope to put up photos showing the progress, as gradually this beautiful lodge is restored to life – so that once again people can cross the threshold and create new stories and new experiences as they holiday in the lodge.

Background to Irish Landmark Trust

I decided to start this blog about Irish Landmark Trust as a way of spreading the word about what it is Irish Landmark does, and also offering opportunities for others to engage in the discussion about the value of saving Ireland’s built heritage.

I won’t bore you with too many details – but I thought it might be useful to summarise where Irish Landmark is at and how we got there.  In 1992 a group of people – realising that there were ‘saviours’ for many of the larger heritage buildings (bodies such as the Irish Georgian Society, An Taisce …etc.), became concerned that the more modest buildings were at risk of being overlooked.   Yet the story of these small, domestic scale buildings is just as important to our understanding of places and the lives of those who went before us.  So ..Irish Landmark Trust was established – first in the Republic of Ireland, and about 4 years later in Northern Ireland.  The first 3 years or so were spent identifying appropriate heritage buildings, setting up the organisation, and finding the funds to conserve or restore the buildings.   The first building restored was Wicklow Lighthouse – now the logo of Irish Landmark:  a symbol of our endeavours to save!

At this time, 21 buildings situated throughout Ireland north and south have been saved and put to new use as holiday homes (a use that ensures viability and a future for these buildings).  To see all these properties you can go to http://www.irishlandmark.com.