Historical background:

Lime kilns like that at Nobber, Co. Meath, were historically used to create quicklime to be used as mortars and stabilisers in traditional buildings. The Nobber kiln, built circa 1800, gradually fell into disuse and due to mortar deterioration many of the upper stones had fallen into the central hearth area. The cornerstones were particularly loose, though fortunately the estate owners had conveyed these fallen stones to storage for retention. The Irish Georgian Society awarded €1,000 toward the rectification of the kiln in 2004.

Brief description of project:

The loose cornerstones were removed where mortar no longer existed. The original, fallen stones were collected from the ground and storage and were used to rebuild the kiln to its original size and shape using appropriate mortar.

Thanks in part to the Irish Georgian Society’s contributions, the kiln was successfully reinstated to its previous state and made structurally sound. This important historic marker and testament to traditional building skills now stands sturdily and will continue to inform visitors on the diverse history of Co. Meath.

Architectural description:

The lime kiln at Nobber is of a square plan. The roughly dressed limestone walls with ashlar voussoirs are built into a limestone outcrop and there is also a segmental-arch opening over the interior fireplace.