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Leaving Certificate Construction Studies Exploring the built heritage in your locality Exemplar booklet Check out the class blog! Class trip to Bunratty castle...

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This booklet provides further guidance on various units of the teaching guide

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Page 1: 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...

Page 2: Exemplar Booklet

Exploring your local built heritage... Page 2

Contents Page:

Section Page:

Introduction 3

Unit 1 4

Unit 2 14

Unit 5 27

Page 3: Exemplar Booklet

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.

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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

Page 5: Exemplar Booklet

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:

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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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Exploring your local built heritage... Page 7

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):

Page 8: Exemplar Booklet

Exploring your local built heritage... Page 8

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

Page 9: Exemplar Booklet

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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Exploring your local built heritage... Page 10

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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Exploring your local built heritage... Page 14

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:

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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:

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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

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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...

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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...

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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...

Page 31: Exemplar Booklet

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...

Page 32: Exemplar Booklet

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...