Shows
Heart to HearthIn conversation with Bob Clark - Part 2In this episode we continue our conversation with? Bob Clark, director and curator of the unique Township of Auchindrain in Scotland. We delve into the history of the site and its evolution through the centuries up to modern days. We then look at what can be done to preserve and transmit its memory to future generations This conversation with Bob ended up being a bit longer than our usual episode, so we've decided to split the conversation into two parts. If you have a question or would like to give us f...
2023-10-2352 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Bob Clark - Part 1In this episode we talk to Bob Clark, director and curator of the unique Township of Auchindrain in Scotland. We delve into the history of the site and its evolution through the centuries up to modern days. We then look at what can be done to preserve and transmit its memory to future generations This conversation with Bob ended up being a bit longer than our usual episode, so we've decided to split the conversation into two parts. If you have a question or would like to give us feedback, or ide...
2023-10-1654 min
Heart to HearthIn conversation with Shem Caulfield, Bernie Doherty & Christy CunniffeWe talk to County Galway Community Archaeologist Bernie Doherty, Artist Shem Caulfield and retired Community Archaeologist Christy Cunniffe about their involvement in the the Galway Forged Gate Project, particularly getting into details about the artistic flourishes of vernacular blacksmiths, iron crosses and iconography as well as touching on the history of metalworking and smelting in Ireland.If you have a question or would like to give us feedback, or ideas about future guests or topics, we’d love to hear from you so please give us a review and leave a comment wherever you get your podcasts, or...
2023-10-091h 07
Heart to HearthIn conversation with Marie Mannion & Emma LaffeyWe talk to County Galway Heritage Officer Marie Mannion and Emma Laffey of Skehana & District Heritage Group about the Galway Forged Gates Project, a wonderful project that skillfully reveals the connection between our tangible physical heritage and the intangible traditions, skills, stories and local histories they possess. We learn about the importance of recording our heritage (tangible and intangible) before it is lost and how a packet of biccies can go a long way when talking to our older generations to record their local knowledge.Project Website: https://heritage.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/category/topics/galway-forged-gates-project...
2023-10-021h 17
Heart to HearthIn conversation with Rachel McKennaWe talk to Rachel McKenna, the architectural Conservation Officer for Co. Offaly about her book “Traditional Architecture in Offaly” and get a wonderful insight into the vernacular traditions of the county and the outcome of many years of research, work and conversations with owners. We learn about the importance of recording memories and traditions, and the involvement of the County Council in the process. Traditional Architecture in Offaly: History, Materials and Furniture 1800 to Present Dayhttps://www.offalyhistory.com/shop/books/traditional-architecture-in-offaly-history-materials-and-furniture-1800-to-present-dayhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ufd70p-_HU
2023-09-251h 03
Heart to HearthIn conversation with John Plunkett, Rory Galligan & Fergal McGirlIn today's episode we talk to John Plunkett, the eldest son of the Plunkett family who has taken an interest in restoring the family farm, Rory Galligan, director of Rock Road Stone Company in Moynalty, Co. Meath and Fergal McGirl, a Conservation architect based in Dublin, with almost 30 years of experience. We chat to them about how together they carried out a project to restore the Plunkett cobbled farmyard in Co.Meath. We learn about the importance of proper on-site research when carrying out a restoration project and the untold value of regular maintenance of vernacular buildings along with...
2023-09-181h 22
Heart to HearthIn conversation with Toby SlaterIn this episode talk to carpenter Toby Slater about his time as an SPAB Millwright Fellow in 2022 and learn about the challenges and solutions he works through in the conservation of historic timberwork. If you have a question or would like to give us feedback, or ideas about future guests or topics, we’d love to hear from you so please give us a review and leave a comment wherever you get your podcasts, or get in touch by emailing us at spabireland@gmail.com For more information on SPAB Ireland:...
2023-09-1150 min
Heart to HearthIn conversation with Tom LittleIn this episode we talk to Tom Little, stone worker and letter carver who also designs and runs the Stone Cutting and Stone Masonry Apprenticeship programme at the Kerry College of Further Education and Training. He tells us about the decline and evolution of Irish stone working from the 1960’s to now, where he’s seeing the beginning of a new ‘stone renaissance’ as the craft is better appreciated, in higher demand and is taken up by new generations of passionate and creative workers Tom would like to acknowledge the vital role SOLAS and the Office of...
2023-09-0457 min
Heart to HearthIn conversation with Jimmy LenehanIn this episode we talk to Jimmy Lenehan, a Kilkenny based thatcher working in reed and straw since 1993, about some of the archaeology and traditions of thatched roofs in Ireland, the historical context, longevity and value of different thatching materials as well as getting into some discussions about growing and harvesting quality thatching supplies here in Ireland.If you have a question or would like to give us feedback, or ideas about future guests or topics, we’d love to hear from you so please give us a review and leave a comment wherever you get your pod...
2023-08-281h 02
Heart to HearthIn conversation with Marianne SuhrWe talk to Marianne Suhr, conservation building surveyor and co-author of the 'Old House Eco Handbook' to get some advice about sensitive interventions for contemporary living in traditional buildings that still retain the character of your old building. We get into dew points, insulating plasters, underfloor heating, secondary glazing, appropriate insulation and some of the ‘quick wins’ that can be carried out on traditional buildings. If you have a question or would like to give us feedback, or ideas about future guests or topics, we’d love to hear from you so please give us a review and leav...
2023-08-2153 min
Heart to HearthIntroduction to Season 3If you have a question or would like to give us feedback, or ideas about future guests or topics, we’d love to hear from you so please give us a review and leave a comment wherever you get your podcasts, or get in touch by emailing us at spabireland@gmail.com For more information on SPAB Ireland:www.spab.org.uk/about-us/spab-ireland To follow us on social media:www.instagram.com/spabirelandwww.twitter.com/spabireland www.facebook.com/spabireland
2023-08-1208 min
Heart to HearthIn conversation with the 2022 SPAB Scholars and FellowsIn this episode, we chat with three of the 2022 SPAB Scholars and Fellows, Sinéad Scullion, Serena Gildea and David McFerran. Sinead is an architect from Dublin, Serena is an engineer from Donegal, and David is a joiner from Down. In today’s episode, we chatted about their experiences and travels in the UK and Ireland as part of the Scholarship and Fellowship programmes, as well as some vernacular highlights. Hosted by Tríona Byrne.Edited by Deirdre Keeley.Artwork by Róisín Beirne.Theme mus...
2023-01-0555 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Shirley ClerkinIn this episode, we chat with Shirley Clerkin. Shirley is the heritage officer for County Monaghan In today’s chat, we talked about what Shirley's job as heritage officer involves, the beautiful built and natural heritage of Monaghan, and the unnecessary demolition of our built heritage. Hosted by Tríona Byrne.Edited by Deirdre Keeley.Artwork by Róisín Beirne.Theme music by Cillian Byrne. Generously supported by the Heritage Council as part of their Heritage Capacity Fund 2022. If yo...
2023-01-0439 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Edel BarryIn this episode, we chat with Edel Barry. Edel is an archaeologist based in County Clare, working for a built heritage collective. In today’s chat, we covered Edel's work with the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, her experiences of encountering resistance to conservation of old buildings, and how to address this resistance. Hosted by Tríona Byrne.Edited by Deirdre Keeley.Artwork by Róisín Beirne.Theme music by Cillian Byrne. Generously supported by the Heritage Council as part of their...
2023-01-0340 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Christiaan CorlettIn this episode, we chat with Christiaan Corlett. Chris is a historian, writer, and archaeologist with the National Monuments Service. He has written numerous books on a variety of subjects, including medieval settlements, 18th century headstones, and the traditional farmhouses of Co. Wicklow. In today’s chat, we covered Chris’s background in archaeology and how he became interested in vernacular buildings. The episode includes a call to arms, for people around the country to get involved and start recording the vernacular buildings in their area! Hosted by Tríona Byrne.Edi...
2022-12-3045 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Sinead HughesIn this episode, we chat with Sinead Hughes. Sinead is a heritage consultant based in Dublin. Among various other projects, she is currently undertaking a thatch survey of Fingal County. In today's chat, we talk about Sinead's background, her ongoing thatch survey in Fingal, and the challenges facing owners of thatched buildings in Ireland today. Hosted by Tríona Byrne.Edited by Deirdre Keeley.Artwork by Róisín Beirne.Theme music by Cillian Byrne. Generously supported by the Heritage Council as part o...
2022-12-2947 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with PJ McClayIn this episode, we chat with PJ McClay. PJ runs the popular IG page @oulhouse, which documents his experience as he renovates and brings back into use a derelict thatched cottage in Donegal. In today's chat, we cover everything from how PJ discovered his interest in vernacular buildings, his experience of conserving and renovating his own cottage, and the challenges and opportunities of conservation of Irish vernacular buildings. Hosted by Tríona Byrne.Edited by Deirdre Keeley.Artwork by Róisín Beirne.Theme music by Cillia...
2022-12-2841 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Feile Butler**Apologies for the sound quality in this episode **In this episode, we chat with Feile Butler. Feile is an architect who works in the conservation of vernacular buildings, as well as specialising in natural building materials, particuarly earth and mud wall buildings. In today's epsiode, we had a lovely chat about the beauty and simplicity of mud and stone vernacular buildings, and how they are inextricably linked to us and the landscape around us. Hosted by Tríona Byrne.Edited by Deirdre Keeley.Artwork by Róisín Beir...
2022-12-2746 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Feidhlim HartyIn this episode, we chat with Feidhlim Harty. Feidhlim is an environmental consultant based in County Clare. In today's chat, we look at some sustainable solutions for treating waste water from rural domestic buildings, and chat about Feidhlim’s own experiences renovating a rural vernacular cottage. This episode will be of interest to anyone who is hoping to renovate a vernacular building that doesn’t currently have any services. Hosted by Tríona Byrne.Edited by Deirdre Keeley.Artwork by Róisín Beirne.Theme music by C...
2022-12-2644 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Sara Leach*Our apologies for the delay in releasing the rest of Series 2, we had unforeseen issues with getting the episodes produced and released - but we hope you enjoy this and the remainder of series 2 which will be released shortly* In this episode, we chat with Sara Leach. Sara is a thatcher, currently doing an apprenticeship in County Wexford. In today's chat, we cover everything from how Sara became interested in thatch to her experience with her apprenticeship, the importance of traditional building craft skills, and the future of thatch buildings in Irel...
2022-12-2439 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Ken CurranIn our fist episode of season 2, we chat with Ken Curran. Ken is a conservation mason, drystone waller and archaeologist, who operates his company EarthStone, and is also the chair of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Ireland. In today's chat, we cover everything from how Ken’s initial interest in Irish Vernacular heritage developed, the art and biodiversity of dry stone walling, the importance of recognition of the intangible heritage, and how Ken invests his time in the conservation of his own vernacular cottage. Hosted by Tríona Byrne.Edit...
2022-08-1942 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Lisa EddenIn our tenth and final episode of the series, we chat with Lisa Edden of Cora Consulting Engineers.Lisa has over 30 years post graduate experience in designing solutions for the stabilisation and restoration of buildings grand and vernacular, particularly historic masonry and timber structures. She has a thorough understanding of building and repair processes and the materials involved.In today's chat, Lisa takes us through her fascinating journey from her childhood growing up next to the Weald and Downland Living Museum in West Sussex, structural engineering in the UK with Alan Baxter her move to Irel...
2021-10-1841 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Louise PriceIn our ninth episode of the series, we chat with Louise Price.
Louise is an artist, and passionate dry stone waller. In today's chat, Louise takes us through her fascinating journey from artist in Donegal to the renovation of her studio barn, which ultimately led to her keen interest in dry stone walling. We hear Louise's passion for the traditional craft, her love of vernacular buildings, the story behind the Mourne Wall and the Women's International Stone Alliance which she has helped to develop as a global network which is creating a strong presence and future for traditional stone trades...
2021-10-1138 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Duncan McLaren**Apologies for the sound quality in this episode ** In our eight episode, we chat with Duncan McLaren of Dedalus Architecture. Dedalus is an RIAI accredited Grade 1 conservation practice providing architectural, conservation and heritage research services to government agencies, local authorities, corporate bodies, private developers and community groups. The business is based in Moville, Inishowen, Co. Donegal and provides general architectural services to the local market and specialist services throughout Ireland.Specialist services include work with existing and historic buildings, conservation planning, repair and adaptive reuse. Consultancy services include research, wri...
2021-10-0444 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Tom PollardEpisode SummaryIn our seventh episode, we chat with Tom Pollard. Tom is a stonemason, an expert in earth mortars, and resides on the family farm in Co. Tipperary. In today's chat, we discuss Tom's journey in conservation and traditional trades, his passion for casework and saving our exisitng built heritage, and the new initiative which he is involved with - Traditional Trades Ireland. We also find out what his favourite vernacular building is. Hosted by Tríona Byrne and Róisín Beirne.Edit...
2021-09-2736 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Melanie McQuade & Bronagh LaniganIn our sixth episode, we chat with Melanie McQuade and Bronagh Lanigan. Melanie McQuade is the Heritage Officer in Westmeath. She has worked in the heritage sector for over twenty years. Melanie was appointed Westmeath’s Heritage Officer in 2017. Before that she was an archaeologist and her most exciting work involved the discovery of 6,000 year old wooden fishing traps from a part of the capital city that was then Dublin Bay. Bronagh Lanigan is a History of Art graduate of University College Dublin and has completed two post-graduate diplomas in Architectural Inven...
2021-09-2042 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Eoin Madigan & Dom KeoghIn our fifth episode, we chat with Eoin Madigan and Dom Keogh. Eoin Madigan is a sixth-generation stonemason and lime practitioner from the Burren region of Co. Clare, Ireland. He is passionate about the conservative repair of vernacular structures and specialises in the use of historic lime mortars. In 2005 he won a placement with The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). He is now a committee member and trainer for The Building Lime Forum Ireland and a founding member of SPAB Ireland where again he is a trainer in masonry and lime mortars.
2021-09-1328 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with John BeattieIn our fourth episode, we chat with John Beattie. John resides in Dublin, and is an Assistant Architectural Conservation Officer at Dublin City Council. In today's chat, we cover everything from how John's career path led to his interest in built heritage, his diverse work experience - as an NIAH recorder, a thatch apprenticeship, a committee member of the BLFI (Building Limes Forum Ireland) and his work as an Assistant Architectural Conservation Officer at Dublin City Council. We also discover the background to John's favourite Irish vernacular building. Hosted by Tríona...
2021-09-0635 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Claudia KinmonthIn our third episode, we chat with Dr. Claudia Kinmonth. Claudia has published numerous books including Irish Country Furniture 1700-2000 (winner of the Michael J. Durkan Prize for Books on Language and Culture by American Conference for Irish Studies), and Irish Rural Interiors in Art. She has worked at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Sir John Soane’s Museum. She is also Conservation Consultant to Cork Butter Museum and Cork Public Museum. She lives in West Cork with her family, lectures widely and broadcasts for television, film and radio. In today's chat, we cover...
2021-08-3037 minHeart to HearthIn conversation with Dr. Barry O'ReillyIn our second episode, we chat with Dr. Barry O’Reilly. Dr Barry O’Reilly’s background is in archaeology, folk tradition and architectural heritage. His main area of research is vernacular (traditional) architecture, in which he has an MA from University College Dublin and a PhD from Oxford Brookes University. Most recently he has studied traditional settlements (mainly farming hamlets) in Ireland and internationally. He has managed National Inventory of Architectural Heritage surveys throughout Ireland. Barry also has an MUBC degree from UCD that included a study of corrugated iron. Barry has lectured widely on vernacular architecture and on arc...
2021-08-2347 minHeart to HearthIntroduction to Heart to HearthThis is it! Episode 01 of the first ever SPAB Ireland podcast. On our first episode you can hear our podcast hosts Tríona Byrne (Chairperson of SPAB Ireland) and Róisín Beine (Committee member at SPAB Ireland) discuss how they became involved in SPAB Ireland, the importance of vernacular architecture, what exactly does vernacular mean, and an introduction to another of our SPAB Ireland committee members Gissella Renolfi who hails from Argentina on her perspective on vernacular heritage in Ireland.Hosted by Tríona Byrne and Róisín Beirne.Edited by Deirdre Keeley.Ar...
2021-08-1648 minHeart to HearthListen & Subscribe to Heart to Hearth Now!We are excited to launch SPAB Ireland's first ever Podcast series, 'Heart to Hearth: Chats about Irish vernacular buildings', a project supported by the Heritage Council under the Heritage Sector Support Fund 2021. Episode 01 of the ten-part podcast series will be available on Monday 16th August with a new episode released weekly until mid-October, available wherever you get your Podcasts!
Hosted by Tríona Byrne and Róisín Beirne.
Edited by Deirdre Keeley.
Artwork by Róisín Beirne.
Theme music by Cillian Byrne.
Generously supported by the Heritage Council as part of their Heritage Sector Support Fund 2021.
If you have...
2021-08-1100 min