Repair of Earthen Buildings: 1 Day Workshop

Name: Repair of Earthen Buildings: 1 Day Workshop
Start: 2026-03-02T10:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-03T16:00:00+00:00
Location: Lough Neagh Discovery Centre

Schedule

Mon, 02 Mar, 2026 at 10:00 am to Tue, 03 Mar, 2026 at 04:00 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

Lough Neagh Discovery Centre | Craigavon, NI

A practical workshop on the use of earth mortars, renders and plasters
About this Event

Earthen buildings were once a common feature of the Irish landscape and provided comfortable homes which were naturally warm in winter and cool in summer. However, our mud-walled buildings are disappearing, with the skills needed to maintain and repair them. This workshop will focus on the repair of vernacular earthen buildings through the practical mixing and application of earthen mortars, renders and plasters, however, it may also be of interest to those wishing to learn more about earthen construction for sustainable new build. The workshop will take place at the historic Turmoyra Farm, Lurgan, with lunch provided. This event is open to all, and no experience is necessary.

This event is being delivered as part of the Living Heritage: Past, Present, Future project supported by Department for Communities Historic Environment Fund. This project focuses on the positive contribution the historic built environment can play in our everyday lives, and in preserving cultural heritage and supporting a sustainable future.

Who should attend?
This workshop is open to all 18+, and no previous experience is necessary. The workshop may be of particular interest to building owners, heritage and construction professionals and specifiers, and those with an interest in earthen and sustainable construction methods.

Date: Monday 2nd March 2026 OR Tuesday 3rd March 2026
Time: 10am- 4pm

Important information for attendees:
This event is limited to a maximum of twelve attendees per session. Please ensure you book for the session you wish to attend, the level and content of both sessions is the same. The workshop will be taking place semi-outdoors. Attendees should wear layers, warm clothes and outerwear as weather may be cold.

What to bring:
Lunch will be provided. We suggest you bring water and a snack with you. You may wish to wear old clothes or overalls to protect clothing. PPE will be provided as required.

Getting here:
Turmoyra farm is located off Boconnell Lane, Lurgan, 2 miles from Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. Due to limited parking, a shuttle bus will be provided to/ from the Discovery Centre at the start of the day and the end of the day.

Trainers Overview:
This workshop is delivered by Pollard Conservation and Restoration. Tom Pollard is a stonemason with over 20 years practical experience in all aspects of stonework and has a PDD in Historic Building Conservation & Repair. His main interest is in the use of traditional materials for restoration work, and Tom specialises in earth and pure lime mortars, renders and plasters and is a speaker on the benefits of such materials at workshop and training events including BLFI (Building Limes Forum Ireland), BLF (Building Limes Forum UK), IGS (Irish Georgian Society), SCSI (Society Chartered Surveyors Ireland) , SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings), Heritage Council of Ireland, Department of Housing and various Local Authorities.