Are you the homeowner of a vernacular building?

Join us for this 2-day introductory workshop designed with the beginner in mind. The event is aimed at promoting confidence around the use of lime and an understanding of how and where it should be used. Note that this event is supported by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage and is an action of the National Vernacular Strategy, as such it is aimed at homeowners of traditional vernacular buildings.

Who is this for:

• Homeowners and occupiers of vernacular buildings

Who is this not for:

• Professionals working in the conservation sector
• Those seeking advanced or specialized training beyond basic repair and maintenance

This 2-day introductory workshop will be of interest to beginners and those working with lime mortars for the repair of traditional vernacular buildings and is aimed at promoting confidence around the use of lime and an understanding of how and where it should be used.

Participants will go away knowing:

• Advantages of using lime & appropriate specifications
• The range of lime types & aggregates for traditional mortars
• How to mix lime mortars & their application
• The correct protection & aftercare measures to apply when using lime mortars

Organizer: Building Limes Forum Ireland supported by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage

Location: Westport House, The Demesne, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 K6K6
(The Farmyard)

Date: 13th and 14th September 2024 (Participants must be available to attend both days)

Time: 9:30 am – 4.30 pm (The detailed programme and all the necessary information we will circulate closer to date to those who purchased their tickets.)

Ticket Information: 
Subsidised* ticket of €140 for vernacular homeowners - / - The full-price ticket is €350.
A limited number of discounted (subsidised) tickets are now available.
Attendees will be offered a discounted rate for BLFI membership on the day.

Cancellation policy:
- full refund up to one week before the event,
- 50% refund within the final week, 
- no refunds available within the last 48 hours before the event

Feedback about this workshop:

"There are worse ways to spend a weekend than in the company of the Building Limes Forum Ireland. Over two days, we heard from conservation specialists about the materials, construction methods and practical reasoning behind how traditional buildings are made as they are.  We then got the chance to prepare a section of stone wall, rake out the joints, prepare it for new pointing and test two different lime mixes. Whether you're intending to take on work yourself, or looking for skilled tradespeople, there's a lot to be said for getting even a little hands-on experience.  Perhaps best of all was getting to ask advice on very specific issues.
If you have the chance to join any of these training sessions, I'd highly recommend it. Your project will only be the better for it, and you'll have a good time to boot."

"A big thank you to the BLFI for a fantastic weekend in Cavan. It was very well organised and Dermot, Feargal, Paddy, Brian and Henry were all great instructors and speakers. Not to mention John – who kept everyone on track."

"I feel a lot more confident and informed about renovating. I am also more aware about how to retain the traditional aspects of the building"