SPAB Ireland Working Party at Rothaí Mill

Event details

Friday 16 August - Sunday 18 August 

Join us to help repair this historic mill site and learn traditional building craft skills along the way, – including cob building, timber carving and traditional glazing repairs.   

Our friendly Working Parties are a great space to learn about building conservation, whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned professional.   

Owners Katarina McNabb (architect) and Christioher Liu (ecologist) rescued this mill site in 2022 with the intention of bringing it back to use. We’re delighted to return to this wonderful site with an expanded programme in 2024 after our award-winning Working Party here in 2023.

This year, participants will help with the construction of the plant room which will serve the site, using the unique approach of cob construction. Our carpentry workshops will continue, templating new cogs from the existing mill wheel which will be used to repair the mill wheel, and our glazing workshops will help to develop practical skills which can be implemented throughout the site. 

Who is this event for?

Working Parties are warm and welcoming spaces for all – whether you are a building conservation professional, student, or someone who wants to help out their local building or learn new skills.  

Programme

The campsite is open from 6pm on Thursday 15 August.   

On Friday and Saturday, we will work on site from 9am to 5pm each day, with plenty of breaks for refreshments. Dinner will be organised in a local restaurant (not included in ticket price). 

The event ends at 2pm on Sunday 18 August.  

You will learn 

You will come away with a taster of a wide selection of traditional building craft skills including: 

• Carpentry skills  

• Cob construction 

• Glazing repair and maintenance techniques 

You will also learn more about the ecological and biodiversity approaches which have been implemented at Rothaí Mill by our wonderful hosts. 

You will need to bring

• PPE: steel-toed shoes, safety gloves, safety goggles. Hi-vis jackets will be provided. 

• Camping kit: tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, torch etc. 

• Mess kit: water bottle, mug, cutlery, plate/bowl, thermos. 

• Personal kit: medicines, toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel etc. 

• Clothing: warm changes of clothes, woolly hat, sunhat, warm gloves, spare shoes. 

Tutors

Brian Tobin ‘Lime Master’ is an experienced traditional lime plasterer with many years’ experience in the repair and renewal of cob construction, traditional lime plasters, renders and decorative work.   

David McFerran is an experienced carpenter and joiner with an in-depth knowledge of the site, having carried out conservation works at Rothaí Mill over the past year. He is a 2022 SPAB Fellow and a member of the SPAB Ireland Committee.   

Evan Connon of Connon Studios Ltd is a stained-glass artist specialising in both contemporary stained-glass design, and the conservation and restoration of stained glass. Evan is a member of the SPAB Ireland Committee.  

Assessment 

There is no formal assessment for this course, but we can provide a Certificate of Attendance upon request. 

Bursaries

We have four bursary places available, thanks to funding from the Heritage Council under the Heritage Organisation Support Fund 2024. Each bursary covers the attendance fee and include a subsistence and travel allowance of up to €250.  

These bursaries are open to all; but priority will be given to students, people who are unemployed or those needing financial assistance to support their attendance at the Working Party. 

If you are interested in applying for a bursary, please email ireland@spab.org.uk with a CV, and cover letter explaining your reasons for applying by Monday 5th August 2024.   

Accessibility

At this event, you can expect the following conditions: 

• Uneven surfaces 

• Significant periods of standing, walking and kneeling 

• Time spent working outdoors 

• Loud noises 

• Animals roaming freely 

• No heating 

• Catering for dietary restrictions, if indicated on the booking form 

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email ireland@spab.org.uk.

Supporters

This event is generously funded by The Heritage Council.

Photo credit: Rothaí Mill © Shóna O'Keeffe-McGuirk 

We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions.