Heritage Consultant Services
• Management and conservation plans
• Planning Application Heritage Reports
1. Architectural Heritage Impact Assessments
2. Architectural Histories and Built Heritage Significance
3. Historic Context Analysis and constraints studies
4. Heritage and Conservation Issue Studies
5. Cultural Heritage Chapters for Environmental Impact Assessment Reports
• Section 482 Applications
• Public Realm Study
Architectural Historian Services
• Exhibition
• Guidebooks and brochures
• Catalogue essays
• Commissioned publications
• Maps
Architectural Historian Research
• Books
• Journalism
• Academic articles
Heritage consultancy projects (selected)
Public Clients include:
Office of Public Works (2016–present): Management Plan for Kilkenny Castle (13th -century castle remodeled in 17th and 19th century) (2017); Guidebook for Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin (2019); curated exhibition of architectural drawings for Emo Court at the Irish Architectural Archive, Dublin (Feb. 2019)
Courts Service (2018–2019): ‘Irish Court Houses: A Brief Architectural History’ Essay for a Gazeteer: The Architecture of the Court Houses of Ireland . Work done in association with the OPW and Irish Architectural Archive.
Redemptorist Community Limerick (2016–present): Determination of Curtilage and Attendant Grounds for St Alphonsus Liguori Church and Monastery (Sept 2016); Justification for the Demolition of St Clement’s College (January 2017); Historical study and photographic record of St Clement’s College (April 2017); Preservation by Record and Structural Report for St Clement’s College (June 2017); Historical study: ‘Church of Mount St Alphonsus, Limerick: Patronage and Decoration (January 2018).
Limerick City and County Council (2016–present): Limerick Urban Centre Revitalisation O’Connell Street (LUCROC) with Ove Arup & Partners Ireland Ltd: Constraints Study: Heritage and Conservation Issues (Nov. 2016); Topographical Survey; Heritage Features (May 2017); Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Chapter for the Environmental Report (Oct. 2017); Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Chapter for the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (Oct. 2018)
Heritage Council with Cork City Council and Cork County Council (2017–2018); researched and wrote major report in collaboration with Blackwood Associates Architects & Building Conservation Consultants, and HRA Planning; ‘The Effective Use of Conservation Area Designation: Tools for Assessment and Implementation. A Study of Youghal, Co Cork and Blackpool, Cork City’ (Nov. 2018)
Shannon Foynes Port Company, Limerick (2015–8): Baseline Analysis for Framework Development Plan for Limerick Docks (mid-19th -century docks with subsequent development); Architectural and Cultural Heritage Impact Statement for Port Enhancement Works (2018).
Limerick City Council (2012): Report on conservation issues for Opera Quarter, Limerick City (derelict late 18th -century urban quarter), written in conjunction with Punch Consulting Engineers and Healy Partners Architects.
Shannon Heritage (2011): Conservation Plan for King John’s Castle, Limerick (thirteenth-century castle with subsequent additions).
Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government (2011 & 2008): two books to accompany the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage on Limerick City and County Limerick (see publications below).
Work on urban structures for private clients include:
66 Haddington Road, Dublin 4 (2019). Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment for a proposed rear extension to an 1830s town house on the Pembroke Estate.
Doon Convent, Doon, Co Limerick (2019); Architectural Assessment of 19th -century convent buildings for Ballyhoura Rural Services CLG with Healy Partners Architects.
Currogower House, Clancy Strand, Limerick (2019): Historical Assessment of an early 19th -century town house.
Former AIB Bank, High Street, Croom, Co Limerick (2018); Historical Assessment and Photographic Record.
O’Modhrain Hall, Cutlery Road, Newbridge, Co Kildare (2018); Built Heritage Significance Report for proposed development of a former barrack structure.
Little Museum of Dublin (2018): Study of the Inhabitants of 14 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin.
22 Smith’s Lane, Charleville, Co Cork (2018): Architectural Impact Assessment Report for proposed development to a small town house
Buildings on O’Connell Street Limerick to be developed by Rugby World Experience Ltd, Limerick (2017); Site analysis and historic context analysis (May 2017); Historical report for planning application (Dec. 2017) with Niall McLaughlin Architects.
Development site, Portarlington Rd, Rathangan, Co Kildare (2017); Architectural and Visual Impact Assessment of proposed suburban development.
Clarecastle, Co Clare (2017); Historical Assessment of 18th -century barrack structures on a medieval site.
Nancy Blake’s Upper Denmark Street, Limerick (Aug. 2017): Historical Heritage Impact Assessment for proposed development of former late 18th -century house and adjacent corn store.
Bishop’s Palace, Henry St. Limerick (2016): Historical Assessment Report of a significant 18th -century town house for proposed large-scale development; contribution to applicant response to third party appeals.
Former St Joseph’s Secondary School, Doon, Co Limerick (2014) Architectural, Conservation and Cultural Heritage Assessment of a school complex for Educena Foundation
Limerick Market Trustees (2010): Report re Protected Structure Status for Potato Market, Limerick (19th -century structure).
Limerick Tutorial College, The Crescent (2010): Report on Protected Status of a group of early 19th -century town houses in use as a school since the early 20th century.
Southill Community Services Board (2009), Architectural Impact Assessment Report for proposed workshop within a 19th -century demesne.
28 William Street (2009): Historical appraisal of a late 18th -century town house.
Kilmoyle House (2009): Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report for extensive outline development within demesne of an early 19th -century villa.
Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report for an early 19th -century town house.
9 Pery Square (2009): Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report for a mid-19th -century town house.
Savings Bank, Glentworth Street, Limerick, (2007): Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment report for a Greek revival bank, Thomas Deane, 1839.
Allied Irish Bank, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick (2006); Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment for development proposals
55 O’Connell Street (2005–7): Historical and Conservation Report; work as conservation architect.
2 Mallow Street (2005): Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report.
1 Pery Square (2005): Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report for tontine terraced building designed in 1836 by James Pain.
8 Cecil Street (2005): Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report for an early 19th -century town house.
72–73 Catherine Street (2005): Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report, for an early 19th -century town house.
Opera Centre (2005): Historical Assessment, advice on retentions and conservation with Brian Grubb Architect.
Friend’s Meeting House, Cecil Street (2004), Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report for early 19th -century Quaker Meeting House.
3 Shannon Street (2004), Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report for an early 19th -centriy town house.
59–60 O’Connell Street (2003), Historical Assessment for an early 19th -century town house.
Bank of Ireland, Ennis, Co Clare (2001), Architectural Assessment and recommendations for architectural conservation and development.
Work on country houses and former country houses:
Castle Hewson, Co Limerick (2018); Architectural Impact Assessment and Photographic Record for proposed development.
Dundrum House Hotel, Dundrum, Co Tipperary (Oct. 2018): Historical Report and Interior Record for Conservation Report for proposed large-scale development with Blackwood Associates Architects.
Tinerana Ltd (2009): Environmental Impact Statement written in association with HRA Planning and Healy Partners Architects for proposed hotel development in an 18th -century demesne with additions to a 19th -century country house.
Dromoland Castle Hotel (2006), Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report for development of 18th -century stables.
Section 482 reports for private clients with 18th- and 19th -century country houses and demesnes including: Killua Castle, Co Westmeath (2017); Cragg, Co Tipperary (2016); Acraboy, Co Tipperary (2016); Rathurles, Co Tipperary (2016); Knockanglass, Fethard, Co. Tipperary (2008); Ashton Grove, Co Cork (2007); Clashleigh, Clogheen, Co Tipperary (2006); Cappagh House, Co. Limerick (1999); Dunkerry House and spa garden, The Spa, Tralee, Co. Kerry (1999)
Work on rural structures:
Mutton Island, Co Clare (2009), Report on the viability of adaptive reuse of ruined 19th -century dwellings adjacent to medieval monastic site.
Exhibition
Emo Court: An Exhibition of Architectural Drawings at Irish Architectural Archive (Spring 2019) now exhibited at Emo Court, Co Laois. Marking the 25th anniversary of the donation of Emo Court to the Irish State by Major Cholmeley Dering Cholmeley-Harrison.
Launch exhibition of Punch Conservation (2009) held at the Irish Architectural Archive. Curated with Healy Partners Architects and Boyle Design Group, Dublin.
Seeing Georgian Limerick , an exhibition of commissioned contemporary photographs exhibited at Limerick City Gallery of Art and Irish Architectural Archive (2008). Commemorating 50 years of the Irish Georgian Society. Curated in partnership with Mike Fitzpatrick, Limerick School of Art and Design and Matthew Shinnors of Healy Partners, Architects.
Guide books and brochures
Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Wrote current guidebook and advised on illustrations for OPW (2019)
Glengarriff Castle, Co Cork. Wrote brochure outlining historical development and advised on illustrations for Glengariff Castle Partnership (2011)
Holy Trinity Church, Adare. Wrote short guide and advised on illustrations (2010)
Jesuit Church, Limerick. Wrote booklet commemorating the Jesuits in Limerick on the occasion of the sale of the church and residence. Commissioned by Jesuit Communication Centre, Dublin. (2006)
Catalogue essays
‘Dietrich Blodau: The Work in Dietrich Blodau: A Life of Observations (Limerick, 2017)
‘“A Stile More Suited to Vice-Regal Splendor”: The Building of the Chapel Royal, 1807–14’ in Myles Campbell & William Derham (eds), (Office of Public Works, Trim, 2015), pp 39–54, for exhibition Pinnacles, Pomp and Piety: 200 Years of the Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle.
‘Brian MacMahon’s Real Hallucinations’, for retrospective exhibition, Brian MacMahon, Real Hallucinations (2014).
Commissioned publications
Publications for the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2008–2011):
An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of County Limerick, Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Dublin, 2011), 136pp.
An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of Limerick City, Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Dublin, 2008), 120pp.
Institutional history:
‘The making of an institution’, a history of the University of Limerick Campus (2009) (unpublished)
Publication for the Courts Service and Office of Public Works:
‘Irish Court Houses: A Brief Architectural History to 1998’ in Paul Burns, Ciaran O’Connor and Colum O’Riordan (eds), Ireland’s Court Houses (Irish Architectural Archive, Dublin, 2019), pp 18–37
Maps
Map of Georgian Limerick, Survey showing surviving structures, 1998 sponsored by the Irish Georgian Society, School of Irish Studies Foundation, Limerick Corporation.
Publications (selected)
Books:
An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of County Limerick, Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Dublin, 2011), 136pp.
In Search of Islands: A Life of Conor O’Brien, (Cork, 2009), 126pp.
An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of Limerick City, Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Dublin, 2008), 120pp.
Lady Gregory: An Irish Life (Stroud, 2005, paperback, Cork, 2011), 420pp.
Irish Public Sculpture: A History (Dublin, 1998), 304pp.
The Building of Limerick (Mercier Press, Cork and Dublin, 1991, paperback, 1997), 194pp.
Book chapters and contributions (selected):
‘Catherine Maria Bury of Charleville Castle, Co. Offaly, and the design of the country house, 1800–1812’ in Terence Dooley, Maeve O’Riordan, Christopher Ridgway (eds), Women and the Country House in Ireland and Britain , (Four Courts Press, Dublin, 2018), pp 116–138.
‘Women and the design of a country house: Catherine Maria Bury of Charleville Castle, Co. Offaly, 1800–1812’ in Terence Dooley, Maeve O’Riordan, Christopher Ridgway (eds), Women and the country house , (Dublin, to be published in 2017). ‘Architectural Sculpture’ & ‘Public Sculpture’, Paula Murphy (ed), Sculptors and Sculpture 1600-2000, Vol. 3 in Andrew Carpenter, (gen. ed )Art & Architecture of Ireland, (New Haven & London, 2014), pp 373–8, 501–7.
‘Gothic in Post-Union Ireland: The Uses of the Past in Adare, Co. Limerick’, in Terence Dooley & Christopher Ridgeway (eds), Irish Country Houses, Past, Present and Future , (Four Courts Press, Dublin, 2011), pp 58–89.
‘Barracks, Asylum and Model School: Public Architecture in Limerick from the late-Eighteenth to the mid-Nineteenth Century’ in Liam Irwin, Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh and Matthew Potter (eds), Limerick: History and Society , (Geography Publications, Dublin, 2009), pp 277–306.
Eleven entries on drawings and paintings of places in Limerick, County and city in William Laffan (ed), Painting Ireland: Topographical Views from Glin Castle (Churchill House Press, Tralee, 2006), pp 68–81.
Seven articles on Irish sculptors in Brian Lalor (ed), The Encyclopedia of Ireland , (Gill & Macmillan, Dublin, 2003).
Journal articles and journalism (selected):
‘Mysterious majesty’, Country Life (9 Jan. 2019), 42–7 (Lough Cutra, Co. Galway)
‘The past is a foreign country’, Irish Arts Review , 35:4 (Winter 2018), 80–81 (review of Anita Groener’s installation, ‘The past is a foreign country’)
‘The Gothic sensibilty of Francis Johnston’, Georgian Group Journal , vol XXVI (2018), 191–210.
‘Architecture in the aftermath of Union: Building the Viceregal Chapel in Dublin Castle, 1801–1815’, Architectural History , Vol. 60 (2017), 183–217
‘Taking stock’, Irish Arts Review , 34:3 (Autumn 2017), 138–141 (Irish parliamentary bindings and the Record Tower, Dublin Castle)
‘Gothic romanticism, Charleville Castle, Co. Offaly’, Country Life (26 Oct. 2016) 60–65
‘Pot-walloping Palladianism,’ Country Life (25 June, 2016), 60–5 (Kilshannig, Co Cork)
‘Herald angels sing’, Irish Arts Review, 32:4 (Winter, 2015), 567–71. (Chapel Royal, Dublin Castle)
‘Transforming the City’, Irish Arts Review, 31:1 (Spring, 2014), 100–105. (Urban planning)
‘Setting the Stage at the IWA’, Irish Arts Review, 28:1 (Spring 2011), 118–121. (Critical appraisal of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance building, University of Limerick)
‘Killua in Transformation’, Irish Arts Review, 26:4 (Winter 2009), 98–103. (Contextual account of Killua Castle, Co Westmeath)
‘The Several Incarnations of Plassey: Plassey House, University of Limerick’, Irish Architectural and Decorative Studies, Vol. 12 (2009), 86–129.
'Emo Court: Portrait of a Survival', Irish Arts Review, 21:4 (Winter, 2004), 110–15.
‘Davis Ducart& Christopher Colles: Architects associated with the Custom House at Limerick’, Irish Architectural and Decorative Studies, Vol. 2 (1999), 118–145.
Unpublished thesis
‘Perceptions and uses of Gothic in Irish domestic and ecclesiastical architecture in Ireland, 1800–1815’