Download - Exemplar Booklet
Leaving Certificate Construction Studies
Exploring the built heritage in your locality – Exemplar booklet
Check out the class blog!
Class trip to Bunratty
castle...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 2
Contents Page:
Section Page:
Introduction 3
Unit 1 4
Unit 2 14
Unit 5 27
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 3
Introduction:
This exemplar booklet has been created in order to provide further guidance on
units 1,2 and 5. These units deal with the class trip and the individual research
of a building. In the booklet there are examples of students work completed
after the class trip. The building under exploration is Bunratty Castle County
Clare. Pay particular attention to the outlined structure of the class trip and
how groups receive a room of the building to explore. This is due to the size of
the building,
This booklet also promotes the use of technology. In order to recap on the class
trip a blog will be created. The QR code is attached on the title page of this
booklet for your convenience. Each group will receive a webpage to complete.
This booklet has also designed an A5 workbook which students can complete in
class or at home during the completion of the topic. This also has the QR code
embed on the title page in case the student encounters difficulty while
completing the tasks. The blog also promotes further individual learning of the
topic. This is achieved by making students aware of the links provided to
heritage and conservation websites. It is encouraged the teacher provides
feedback at various stages of it completion.
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 4
Aim: To develop students positive attitudes toward their local
Built Heritage
Objectives: Students will:
Evaluate vernacular and fortified architectural heritage
Demonstrate their ability to sketch buildings by completing
relevant work book section
Recognise the significance of the Built heritage by
establishing the history associated with Bunratty Castle.
Length of lesson: 40 minutes
Assessment of pupil
learning:
Student’s engagement in the class discussion will be
monitored. Questions will be asked to assess pupil
engagement and learning
Workbook will be observed and feedback provided on the
quality of sketching. Sketching criteria is: proportion,
annotation, accuracy, if it looks right it is right is the rule of
thumb applied when assessing sketches
Ask questions which establish key events at Bunratty.
Through this students will appreciate the importance of the
structure.
No. of pupils 21
Recognising a heritage building
The importance of the built heritage
Heritage council (in brief)
Heritage in locality
Vernacular Architecture
Fortified Buildings
Hand out focusing on Bunratty Castle
Subject matter:
Unit 1 – Introductory lesson
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 5
PowerPoint Presentation containing images of heritage buildings
Models of buildings is encouraged
Building(s) history from locality
Workbook
Handout prior to class trip based Bunratty castle
Heritage can be defined as something passed on by previous generations
There range from houses, farms, sites, personal belongings and so on.
Our predecessors pass on such belongings as they trust us to provide care and value
towards them.
It is very difficult to sell an inherited item as it is of personal value.
Our built heritage refers to the buildings and structures left to us by our previous
generations.
‘By conserving our historic buildings we help to preserve them for future generations
to enjoy as part of their heritage, just as we do now’. (Heritage Council)
We have a duty of care to educate ourselves about these structures in order to ensure
they are correctly cared for
‘Sometimes we see houses which have been restored incorrectly. For example a
cottage was repointed using concrete mortar instead of lime mortar which resulted in
damage to the building’ – conservation specialist
Building include churches, castles, cottages along with historic structures, monuments
Key Question What does the word Heritage mean?
Key Question Therefore what does Built Heritage mean?
Unit 1 – continued....
Learning Resources:
Organisation of learning experience:
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 6
Questions: Points of Discussion:
What do you think defines a
heritage building?
From your history what
buildings are associated with
key historic events?
Age of building?
Associated history of with the building
What particular group of people lived in the
building
Key historic events
GPO – Easter rising
Architecture – when was the building constructed
– what type of architecture is it?
Integrity – has the buildings original character
been restored over the years?
What is it so important to
maintain these structures? Is it
important?
How many tourists visit Ireland
due to its historic environment
approximately?
To protect for future generations
They are a symbol of our culture & history
So us how we have developed
Tourist attraction – employment
‘83% of overseas holidaymakers say that our
interesting history and culture is very important
when choosing Ireland for a holiday’ (Failte
Ireland 2011, p.7).
What type of heritage buildings
have you witnessed?
Thatched cottage is very common around the
countryside
Castles and towers are very prominent
Religious buildings are popular also
Formal buildings such as country
estates/government buildings are common in
certain areas.
Class discussion (5 minutes):
Unit 1 – continued....
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Question Why are the following buildings deemed heritage
buildings?
Golden Vale Farmhouse (key points):
Thatched Roof
Sash windows with vertical emphasis
Chimney in the centre of the buildings
Random rubble stone wall, use of light colours
House blends into landscape – no doorstep
Ballycar Railway Station (key points): built between the years of 1860-1880 and is
listed in the record of protected structures
vertical emphasis on window with reveals
limestone used with red brick around windows
heavily influenced building Shannon airport
had a major influence on the life’s of people
The Plunkett heritage museum (key points):
The first co-op creamery in Ireland built in
1889
Sash Windows, limestone surrounding
window and door ope’s, stone wall
Today its function is that of a museum but the
integrity of the building has been maintained
Bunratty Castle Co.Clare (key points): Four distinct castles or fortifications have
stood at Bunratty since the 13th century
Has four distinctive corner towers
Resulted due to foreign invaders securing
land in a strategic position beside the
Shannon estuary.
Unit 1 – continued....
Recognising a heritage building (5 minutes):
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Vernacular Architecture is instantly recognised throughout the country by the thatched
cottage. Of course many different forms of buildings represent the category but the thatched
cottage is distinctive as its features exemplify the principles of vernacular architecture. The
key principles are:
Houses were built using local materials and local people – the builders were not
trained, construction methods were passed on from generation to generation
Houses blended into the landscape with ease – no door step exists on entrance which
emphasises this principal
Buildings were extremely simple and were built as a response to specific needs. They
were practical with only one bedroom wide.
Walls were thick – constructed using stone or mud
Different design were used in different areas of the country – in the west of the
country houses had a gable wall due to heavy winds whereas in the east houses had a
hipped roof as wind were less prominent.
Usually consisted of a thatched roof due to economic constraints, some had a slated
roof depending on location.
Vernacular Architecture (17th century onward):
Unit 1 – continued....
Houses in the west had a end gable
Cottages in the east had hipped roof
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 9
Introduction:
Bunratty Castle (right) besides by the Shannon
estuary in County Clare. The name Bunratty can
be explained as follows: Bun can be translated as
the estuary or mouth of a river while raite means
passages or road. Therefore Bunratty can be
translated as the ‘estuary of the passages’ which
signifies the importance of its location
Four distinct castles or fortifications have
stood at Bunratty since the 13th
century which
provides an indication of the importance of the
site situated on the river passage to Limerick.
Limerick was once a very important Viking and
Norman trading post. Combined with the
strategic location of the site, the area contains some of the best lands in the region which at
the time was a key source of wealth.
Since being built the castle has suffered many great battles of Irish history. It has
changed hands of ownership on many occasions throughout the centuries. Today the castle
stands that of a tourist attraction. The castle allows visitors from Ireland and abroad to gain
an insight into the past. Combined with the folk park which is a great example of Irish
vernacular architecture, a visit to Bunratty provides a unique opportunity to explore two
fascinating periods of Irish History.
History and background:
Due to the ever changing hands of ownership throughout the centuries, many battles
which took place and the current restored castle there has been many names associated with
the deep history of Bunratty castle. The Vikings were the first to settle in
Hand out prior to class trip (10-15 minutes) :
Unit 1 – continued.... Unit 1 – continued....
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Bunratty and it was around 960AD the raised a bank surrounding the promontory of
Bunratty. They would subsequently command all traffic to and from Limerick which was a
gateway and main port of the south-west of Ireland. It is taught the first structure erected was
that of a Motte and Bailey (above).
By the 13th
century the Normans were attracted to the compelling site of Bunratty and
it was Robert De Muscegros who secured permission to hold markets and fairs. In 1274
Thomas De Clare was granted the lands by King Edward I and soon realised a stone castle
was necessary to provide protection from Irish forces such as the MacNamara’s and the
O’Brien’s. Subsequently the first stone castle was erected in 1277. At the time the
aforementioned O Briens and MacNamaras held significant power over the lands of
Thomand. Brian Ruadh O Brien appealed to the Normans for assistance in retrieving his
lands . However the plan, initiated by De Clare, to deprive O Brien of his wish would prove
to be one of the most treacherous events associated with the history of the castle. De Clare
invited O Brien to a banquet at Bunratty where he was subjected to a horrific murder, a clear
statement of intent form De Clare. The act left the country in disgust. The O Briens
Unit 1 – continued....
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responded in 1280 with a fierce attack on Bunratty castle successfully besieging the castle for
a period of time but in the end failed to secure the helm. In 1318 the end came for the
Normans as they met the Irish at the ferocious battle of the Dysert O Dea. De Clare, his wife
and knights fled the country never to be seen again. The castle is said to have changed hands
over the subsequent years undergoing repair and strengthening work. However in the end a
fierce attach by the O Briens and the MacNamaras left the castle completely destroyed.
Due to this destruction a third castle was built in 1953. The castle was rebuilt by Sir
Thomas de Rokeby (appointed justicer) along with English troops. However the castle was
hardly built before de Rokeby lost it to the Irish Lords in 1955.
Unit 1 – continued....
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The present or fourth castle was built in the
following centuries. It is taught the new structure was
erected on the foundation of de Rokebys castle. The
present castle began its construction during the 1430s.
The construction of the castle is attributed to
MacNamaras. Evidence has proven this as the
MacNamaras also built castles nearby and they have
similar architectural features to that of Bunratty
Castle. The MacNamara’s are believed to have
resided in Bunratty until the year 1500 approx, when
it came into the hands of the O Briens. It was when the castle was submitted to the fourth
Earl, Domach O Brien, who became known as ‘the Great Earl’, a new era of history began in
Bunratty.
Groups and assigned tasks:
Group: Task:
Jack
Brendan
Claire
Exterior of building:
Sketch orthographic views (each person take a separate view)
Try to make a detailed sketch of the plan from the roof.
Take photos of each view. Isometric photos also
Create a video of the exterior zooming in on key construction
details.
Niall
Gemma
Robert
External features:
Window, door, arches, materials (brick, stone, slates, wood) key
features. Complete sketch of key construction details (stonework
surrounding windows) take photos to back up sketch and videos if
necessary.
Louise
Patrick
Ciaran
Conservation:
Exterior stone and brick work, interior furniture, have the original
material been restored?
Use photos, notes & sketches to support your answers.
Unit 1 – continued....
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Eoin
Martin
Gerard
Basement:
Interview tour guide for information.
Photos, notes and sketches.
Take a video circling the room, zooming in on key features.
Ciara
Micheal
Blaine
The main Guard:
Interview tour guide for information.
Photos, notes and sketches.
Take a video circling the room, zooming in on key features.
Simba
Ann-Marie
Colm
The Great Hall:
Interview tour guide for information.
Photos, notes and sketches.
Take a video circling the room, zooming in on key features.
Luke
Alan
Padraig
Roof top:
Interview tour guide for information.
Photos, notes and sketches.
Take a video circling the room, zooming in on key features.
Note to all groups:
Ensure each group has the following items before leaving the school:
Sketch pad
Phone capable of taking photos and videos with a sufficient amount of battery!
Sketching equipment (2B pencil, eraser, ruler)
Any other material which you deem appropriate for your assigned task (e.g
voice recorder if available for interviews)
Unit 1 – continued....
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Aim: To develop students positive attitudes towards their
architectural heritage in their local community.
Students will examine and evaluate key aspects of Bunratty
castle including construction details, exterior features, and
rooms of significance.
Objectives: Students will:
Interview castle tour guide regarding their assigned task to
obtain information.
Demonstrate their exploration skills through sketching,
photography, taking notes and working in groups.
Work in groups to explore the history and significance of the
castle, exploring beyond the physical structure through the use
of imagination.
Evaluate the significance of the castle in terms of its past and
present influence on the local community.
Length of
lesson:
Double lesson (80 minutes) combined with a lunch time.
Assessment of
pupil learning:
Explain the key information obtained from the tour guide in
relation to your assigned task. What insight/evidence does this
provide us with?
Examine student’s sketches, photos and videos providing
feedback on how the quality could be improved. Sketches should
be proportioned, neat and annotated.
Assess student’s knowledge of the history of the castle, in other
words what they have learned through imagination, exploration
and critical thinking.
Ask students for their opinion on the importance of this cultural
history. Is it relevant to us? Why/why not? Instruct students to
Unit 2 – Class trip:
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 15
evaluate the castle in terms of its influence on the local
community. E.g. architectural influence, economic advantages,
culture.
Note:
The main form of assessment is feedback.
No. of pupils 21
Castle history
Castle significance
Construction details
Interior layout and exploration of key room
Learning through exploration.
Sketch pad
Phone capable of taking photos and videos with a sufficient amount of battery!
Sketching equipment (2B pencil, eraser, ruler)
Any other material which you deem appropriate for your assigned task (e.g voice
recorder if available for interviews)
10.20
10.35
Call role on bus
Arrive at Bunratty castle
Set Induction:
Firstly provide class with and overall
tour of the building evaluating the
Respond to role call
The entire class will receive a tour of the
building under the instruction of the tour
Subject matter:
Unit 2 – Continued...
Learning Resources:
Organisation of learning experience:
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 16
11.00
12.00
12.30
features, history and aim to gain a
sense of culture. This will be
conducted by the tour guide.
Instruct students to take notes.
Instruct students to assemble into
groups and commence work on
desired task. Circulate and observe,
assessing for exploration and
provide feedback on sketches.
Closure:
Meet as assembly point
Board bus
Arrive back at school
Instruct students to complete a
Word document of their findings
for homework – bring in on a usb
key or email the document to
yourself – electronic format is
needed
guide.
Takes notes, sketches and photos of key
points highlighted by the guide.
Students will assemble into their groups
and commence on their assigned task.
Ask teacher/tour guide for assistance if
necessary. Compare date with other
groups.
Arrive back in school
Take down homework.
Unit 2 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 17
Group 1 – Exterior of the Building
Bunratty castle today is the forth structure to exist. The
structure comprises of a three storey central block
supported by a six storey tower at each corner. In each
tower there is a spiral stair case, some include two. Many
key rooms exist in the towers including a dungeon in each,
bedrooms and the utility rooms. The dungeon at the
southeast tower is open to the public. Many believe there
are rooms and passageways built into the towers which will never be discovered, indicating
the mass of the structure.
The towers are key defensive features of the castle
providing great visibility for potential invaders. Key
construction details include corner stone’s on each tower
along with the limestone surrounding the windows and doors.
Today the castle is open to the public on a daily basis providing
a unique insight into the past. A visit is a must!
Isometric Sketch from the southeast of the building
Sketch of the west view of the castle
The castle is open to the public on a daily basis! Example of a corner tower
Unit 2 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 18
Group 1 – Exterior of the Building
Entrance to the castle
Sketch of the north view
North face of the castle
Defensive turrets
West view Corner tower showing narrow defensive windows
Unit 2 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 19
Group 2 – Exterior features .
Sketch clearly showing limstone surrounding window and stone wall
Narrow defensive windows
A view from the inside. Walls are tapered back to allopw light penetrate into the building.
Windows on the upper floors provide light to main room in the castle. E.g. great hall
Note the limestone surrounding and the unique window design
Unit 2 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 20
Group 2 - Exterior feat
The arched doorways of heavy
masonry represent the largely
protective and defensive role of
Norman Buildings
Wedged mortise and tenon joint
Sketch highlight stonework surrounding doorway
Arch section allowed the drawbridge to be raised in the event of battle
Drawbridge
Group 2 - Exterior Features
Unit 2 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 21
Group 3 - Conservation History
The castle which stands today is the fourth structure to exist
due to the amount of attacks. This highlights how important
the strategic location of Bunratty was and how Irish families
resented foreign rule.
In 1953 Lord Gort purchased the castle along with and acre of
land for £1000. Only for the energy and enthusiasm of Lord
and Lady Gort the castle would not be that of a tourist
attraction today. The entire restoration and conservation of the
structure was mainly funded by Lord and Lady Gort along
with assistance from the office of Public Works and the Irish Tourist Board
Conservation Process (1954 - 1960)
Work in progress on the north east tower in 1957
Unit 2 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 22
Group 4 – Basement
The basement was used mostly as a store or stable.
Weapons and armour may also have been stored here.
A murder hole (below) over the entrance protected the
inside door – defenders could pour boiling water of hot
tar down on their attackers. At ground level the walls
are three meters thick – some argue they contain secret
rooms, yet to be discovered. The basement only had
access to the next floor by using a ladder. This
prevented invaders entering the hall from above in the
event of battle.
The arched doorways of heavy masonry
represent the largely protective and
defensive role of Norman Buildings
Murder hole being used in battle. (right a photo of the Murder hole in the castle today)
Unit 2 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 23
Group 4 – Basement (History)
Bunratty Castle spent most of its early
life in the hands of the O’Brien family
– the Earls of Thomond- who
eventually moved to nearby
Dromoland Castle
1250
The first Bunratty Caste was a wooden
structure (right) built on high ground
by Norman adventurer, Robert de
Muscegros (near the site now
occupied by the Shannon Shamrock
Hotel). By the end of the century, a
town of about 1000 people had
developed.
1275
In the late 13th century, the lands were
granted by King Edward I to Thomas de
Clare who built the first stone castle on
the present site. De Clare drove out the
native people and brought Norman
settlers to live in the town. This resulted
in the castle being attacked many times
by the Irish O Brien and MacNamara
families.
Unit 2 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 24
Group 5 - Main Guard
In the lobby just off the drawbridge you will see the
‘murder hole’ overhead. Often attackers would enter
and become trapped in the lobby to find boiling
water or hot tar descending on their heads. The door
in front of the lobby provides access to the Main
Guard of the castle.
This room was the living quarter of the Earl of
Thomond along with the main soldiery of the
castle. Its function was also that of the dining
room of the castle as indicated by the mighty
tables, some being over 20 feet long.
Access to the Dungeon is also provided of the Main Guard. This
consisted of a pit in which soldiers were held.
Throughout the room there exist fine examples of medieval
furniture. The 16th century limestone fireplace chimney piece is
arguably the most notable focal point in the room along with the
many painting present.
Murder hole
Dining Tables
Stairs providing access into the pit
Unit 2 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 25
Group 6 – The Great Hall
The great hall catered for the many banquets and audiences held
by the Earls of Thomond. It is a superb room with a floor paved in
marble stones.
The south end of the building incorporates a 6.7m table along
with a second chair of estate. No chimney exists in the hall as the smoke from the open fire
in the centre escapes through louvre in the roof,
a great height above.
On the left as you enter the Great Hall exists the Earls Buttery. It was from here that wine
and drink was served through the hatch. At either side of the hatch lie examples of Lord
Gort's medieval furnishing which
were brought to the castle during its
restoration. One can only wonder how it was
possible to transport such mighty artefacts to
the great hall, which could only be accessed by
a spiral staircase. This is down to the ingenuity
of early carpenters who manufacture furniture
which could be assembled and dismantled
using wooden pegs.
6.7m table at the south end Open fire in the centre of the hall
Note the hatch where wine was served
Unit 2 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 26
Group 7 – Roof top
Bunratty Castle besides by the Shannon estuary in
County Clare. The name Bunratty can be explained
as follows: Bun can be translated as the estuary or
mouth of a river while raite means passages or
road. Therefore Bunratty can be translated as the
‘estuary of the passages’ which signifies the
importance of its location. A distinctive view of the
river can be can be seen from the castle roof. This
view provides an indication of the importance of
the site situated on the river passage to limerick. It
provided the castle with a clear view of the traffic and
possible invaders.
Prior to entering the roof top take note of the
plan view of the spiral stairs. Seeing such
structures really develops an appreciation for
the efforts made by our predecessors. One can
only wonder how it was possible to achieve
such construction throughout the centuries.
A view of the river Shannon
View of spiral stairs prior to entering roof top
Turret
Slated roof on the centre block of the castle
Unit 2 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 27
Ballycar Railway Station.
Introduction:
The Newmarket-on-Fergus Railway Station was
built between the years of 1860-1880. The station had a
major influence on the lives of people both locally and
throughout respective Counties and Countries. The
building is listed in the record of protected structures in
Co. Clare alongside major estates such as Dromoland
Castle which once depended on the station as a means of
bringing guests to the area. The station was built by
local Residents from the Ballycar area and to this day
memories live on with those who experienced the tradition and culture that evolved around
the station. The railway station tells a story of how life in the village and indeed the Country
changed over the years.
History of the building:
What people lived in the building?
From the first Station Master Mr Sheridan, to the last being Mr O Conner the Ballycar
Railway Station has a distinct and unique story. The people who lived in the station house
was respective station master at the time and members of staff. These people had the
responsibility to successfully manage and run a service which influences the lives of both
locals and non – locals.
How has the building linked with the historical development of the locality?
It became increasingly evident how grateful the local people were and are for the
existence of the station. Many described the major influence the Railway station had on
the development of Rineanna now known as Shannon.Shannon went onto provide great
employment to the people of Newmarket which greatly influenced the development of the
village.
Unit 5 – Individual research of a heritage
building.
Sourced at Clare County Local Studies
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 28
A local resident who worked at the station for many years was interviewed in order to gather
data. Jimmy described how the key location of the Ballycar Station had a major influence on
the development of Shannon. Shannon was the first airport to hold a duty free status and the
development of the industrial estate would prove to have a huge positive bearing on the
Country of Ireland and Countries abroad. Not only did Shannon require workers from the
surrounding areas of Newmarket and Ennis, the factories also required education and trade to
develop. It put Ireland on the map as a country that was open for trade.
‘The first drag line (crane) for Shannon was brought to Ballycar Station. Oh there was great
excitement around the area. I remember there were around 40 people at the station when the
crane arrived and it took hours for it to be taken off the train. It was then transported inch by
inch out to Shannon. But all the materials for Shannon were brought to Ballycar. It was a
very busy station in its day.’ - Jimmy
Many peoples livelihoods revolved around the Station. For some it was for local transport but
unfortunately for other it was the first pain staking step to emigration. At the time ‘the land’
was relied on for families to survive. Families were large often ranging from 6-8 children. As
children grew up farming did not provide sufficient support. Young people had no choice but
to leave for a better quality of life. Current resident Michael told me that many people often
boarded a train at Ballycar where they would proceed to Cobh in County Cork before
emigrating to America. ‘Never to be seen in the locality again’.
Architectural style:
The Station House (right) was built in 1860-1880 by
local residents of the Newmarket area. The station was
built by local Residents from the Ballycar area and to
this day memories live on with those who experienced
the tradition and culture that evolved around the station.
The building can be classed as a formal building.
Sourced at Clare County Local
Studies
Unit 5 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 29
Integrity of the building:
In comparing old photographs with the building today much of the original structure has
changed through the years.
The building was in use for passenger traffic until 1964 when new transportation links and
infrastructure provided heavy competition for business. However the building did not become
a derelict railway house. Firstly its function changed to a textile craft workshop where the
public could admire and purchase beautiful embroideries, hand made soft toys and hand
painted aprons to name a few before eventually changing to that of a
dwelling house. It has had many owners through the years. During
the research of the building the historical significance was clearly
evident in the interviews completed. Some people will never forget
the contribution it station made to their lives. However due to modern
extension (right) one could argue the balance of the building has been
affected. The original building consisted of a three gables. Today
extensions have been added onto the both side of the building.
Today paint covers key heritage features such as thee red brick surrounding the windows and the limestone corner stone’s.
A photo of the building in its original state. Note how the white lime washed walls highlight the red brick surrounding the windows and door. Also left exposed was the limestone cornerstone.
Unit 5 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 30
Combined with this the aforementioned covering of key construction details with paint is
questionable.
In approximately 1963 the station closed its doors due to the lack of demand. As the years
passed the house laid vacant in Ballycar.
When the Erridges purchased the
Ballycar station it was in need of
restoration. The roof required attention,
as did sections of the external wall. The
aim for them was to restore the building
into an Irish home. As the building is a
protected structure they were somewhat
limited in their designs. They were not
allowed to alter the original structure. As the years progressed and the original structure was
restored the Eridges, were granted planning permission to build an extension. The newspaper
article was taken from the Clare local studies and is dated 1979 two years into the
restoration/development of the building.
Environment:
The building blends into the landscape as it is situated on a large site surrounded by trees and
hedge rows. Also the building is at the back of the site away from the road. The building has
no relationship with other houses in the parish but is very similar to railway stations in the
neighbouring parishes. The common three bay style with the decorative red brick windows
are common features.
Unit 5 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 31
Section through the wall at
window and door openings
Original window detail
Internally the side of the window opening
are sloped to allow the light to disperse
more efficiently into the room
Inside door walls are tapered
Original exposed red brick and limestone corner stone
Unit 5 – Continued...
Unit 5 – Continued...
Exploring your local built heritage... Page 32
Conclusion:
From the first Station Master Mr
Sheridan, to the last being Mr O Conner
the Ballycar Railway Station has a
distinct and unique story. From simply
providing a reliable transport service to
the local residents of Newmarket to
having a major impact on the
development of a town of the stature of
Shannon ,the station well and truly
influenced the lives of many people before closing in 1963. Today the memories of the events
and tradition remain embedded into those who experience the life of the station on a daily
basis. To this day the history of the building has attracted much interested as it has being sold
twice since closing down. It now stands as a protected structure with its function that of a
dwelling house, as the train travelling the Ennis-Limerick line passes by.
Unit 5 – Continued...