Dónal Fallon ‘In Conversation’ with conservation architect Gráinne Shaffrey

Historian Dónal Fallon returns to the atmospheric surroundings of Highlanes Gallery for this intimate In Conversation with one of Ireland’s foremost conservation architects, Gráinne Shaffrey.

Shaffrey Architects have undertaken the restoration of some of Ireland’s most inconic buildings including the Goethe-Institut on Dublin’s Merrion Sq and 14 Henrietta Street, Dublin - often referred to as the ‘tenement museum’.

They have more recently led the public consultation process on the restoration plans for Drogheda’s Westgate House.

On the 50th anniversary of the publication of her father Patrick Shaffrey’s seminal text The Irish Town - An Approach to Survival, Gráinne will reflect on its original thesis and what important information it might hold for us today in finding a clear and hopeful path forward, out of dereliction and decay, towards the restoratortaiton of Ireland’s precious built heritage in towns like Drogheda, and across the island.

Gráinne Shaffrey - Shaffrey Architects

Gráinne Shaffrey is an architect, conservation architect and urban designer.

Continuing the practice founded by her parents Patrick and Maura Shaffrey in 1967, Gráinne’s work engages with cities, towns and villages through many forms of activity. This includes past and recent work in the architecturally significant town of Drogheda, where Gráinne’s grandmother grew up.

Gráinne has been long committed to a positive present and future for the Irish town and recognises this needs open-minded, inclusive and patient collaboration. Her work stretches from research to design at many scales, and to building.

Dónal Fallon is an historian and broadcaster.

The presenter of the Three Castles Burning podcast, he has worked on the RTÉ series Brainstorm and the popular Hidden Histories slot for Newstalk's On The Record.

His books include a history of The Lamplighters of the Phoenix Park and Three Castles Burning: A History of Dublin in 12 Streets.

He is currently Historian in Residence at 14 Henrietta Street.