New Life for Old Buildings in Limerick – Onsite Insight

New Life for Old Buildings is a national programme about the future of buildings that are already built. It is developed and delivered by the Irish Architecture Foundation as part of Reimagine, the IAF’s placemaking programme. Our aim is to empower people determined to transform Ireland’s vacant buildings into homes by providing opportunities for on-the-ground learning and knowledge exchange, building a national network of individuals determined to breathe new life into old buildings.

In 2024, the New Life for Old Buildings programme will take place in Limerick in partnership with our anchor venue, the Hunt Museum. Onsite Insight is the final of a number of Limerick based walks, talks, clinics, and site visits events in 2024. The 2024 programme is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This weekend provides the opportunity to engage with essential financial and practical guidance and inspiration for those beginning their journey of breathing new life into old buildings. This is followed by our Saturday morning site visits to meet first-hand with the people of Limerick who are at different stages of converting vacant buildings into homes. These visits offer a rare opportunity to meet homeowners and experts who have successfully transformed, or are transforming, vacant properties into vibrant living spaces.

1. ‘Living Limerick’ Walking Tour, Friday 11 October, 17:30-19:00 (free)

Discover how upcoming developments and public projects are setting the stage for Limerick’s future led by Daniel O Reilly of SAUL.

2. Specialist Clinics Friday 11 October, 17:30-19:00, Hunt Museum (free)

Book in for informal chats and advice sessions with the Limerick Civic Trust, Common Knowledge, architects Michael Farrell & Caelan Bristow and local tradesmen.

3. Presentations, Friday 11 October, 19:00-20:15, The Captain’s Room, Hunt Museum (free)

Presentations on advancing your ‘vacant property to vibrant home’ transformation with contributions from Common Knowledge and Design Goat’s Cian Corcoran who is currently renovating his own home and local architect Caelan Bristow specialised in adaptive and sustainable re-use.

4. Site Visits, Saturday 12 October, 10:00-12:00 (€10)

Join us for site visits where we’ll meet first-hand the people of Limerick who are at different stages of converting vacant buildings into homes.