With a rich history dating back to the 15th Century, Drimnagh Castle is a multi-phase building and a rare survivor of a functionally moated Castle in Ireland. The virtually rural medieval landscape of the Long Mile Road/ Drimnagh / Crumlin area was radically transformed in the mid-20th Century by both Dublin Corporation and 'Associated Properties' into some of the first suburban developments, and a model for social developments across the county and country for generations to come. In a time frame which did not favour historic buildings and saw many lost, Drimnagh Castle survived against the odds, though teetering on the brink of destruction.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the local Drimnagh and Crumlin communities, and among others An Taisce and Peter Pearson, Drimnagh Castle was saved. Among the efforts to save the building it was restored to how it may have looked in the early 17th century, with the creation of a formal 17th Century type garden to help reinstate an appropriate setting.
In the 30 years since the spectacular restoration of Drimnagh Castle, this edifice has become an important local landmark in the area, and serves an important social and cultural presence in the surrounding landscape.
Led by Peter Pearson, ICOMOS Ireland are delighted to make a tour of Drimnagh Castle, to examine not only its rich past, but it's rescue and restoration against the backdrop of 20th Century suburbanisation and gain insights into the success of the project as might be seen through the lens of the Venice and Burra Charters.
The tour will begin at 11.30am and conclude at 12.30pm. From then until 13.30, the tour will be followed by a contrasting talk examining the development of the surrounding 20th century landscape. Tickets are €15 each, and all proceeds will go to Drimnagh Castle.
We will wrap up the day with a light lunch on site, which will allow for further discussion and insights into the presentation of Drimnagh Castle against the lens of the Venice and Burra Charter and what the future might hold both for the Castle and its community.
We look forward to seeing you there!
ICOMOS Ireland
General Info