Architecture at the Edge

Already famed for its beautiful natural environment, a lovely festival is about to take place to celebrate the built environment of the West of Ireland. Architecture at the Edge 2018 aims to inspire new ways of thinking about architecture. Showcasing some of the West of Ireland’s most outstanding architectural features, this weekend-long festival offers an exciting opportunity to explore some of the hidden architectural gems of Galway, Mayo and Clare. Here’s a sample of some of the great events planned….
 

Saturday 20th October

 

 
 
Oranmore Castle was built in the 15th Century as a stronghold of the Clanricardes who were a prominent Norman family of Galway. Artist Leonie Finn will guide visitors through the rich history of the castle, which was restored 1940’s and is now her family home. Find out more here
 
Ardamullivan Castle, south of Gort, was built circa the 16th Century; restored in the 1990s to protect the late medieval wall paintings discovered on the first and fourth levels. This is a rare opportunity to visit. Find out more here
 
The North Mayo Heritage Centre, housed in the nineteenth-century outbuildings of Enniscoe House, will host the Buildings of Mayo Photographic Exhibition. Find out more here.
 
A Gradual Decline // Architecture and the Art of Exile in Film is  screening of artists’ films that explore embedded narrative atmospheres of architecture and the built environment takes place in the Pálás Cinema. Find out more here.
 
 

Clonfert Cathedral

 
Exploration of Clonfert Cathedral will be led by Dr Christy Cunniffe. This multi-phase church, burial place of St Brendan,  has been a place of continuous worship for a millennium. Find out more here.
Your visit to Clonfert Cathedral will be even more special if you can stay for one of two performances by the Incanto String Quartet. Find out more here
 
 
 
Positioned centrally in the entrance to Clew Bay, Clare Island was once the stronghold of the O’Malleys who held most of the territory in the barony of Murrisk where they maintained strategically placed coastal castles including Clare Island Tower House. For tour details see here.
 
Staying in Mayo but moving to a much more modern building, Robbie Maguire MRIAI will discuss the design and delivery of the Castlebar Swimming Pool Complex. Find out more here.
 
Get a behind the scenes tour of the Mick Lally Theatre in Galway led by architect Tom dePaor. Find out more here.
 

Sunday 21st October

 
Tucked away amid the rolling hills of Quin in Co. Clare lies Knappogue Castle, a 15th century restored medieval tower house that proudly stands as a reminder of our past. For details on a tour of this fascinating building, see here.
 
Enjoy a guided tour of Enniscoe House in Co Mayo and discover its history . Find out more here.
 
Leagaun House in Moycullen is an outstanding piece of modern architecture. Architect Ryan W. Kennihan will lead tours every 60 mins of this stunning take on the Irish Farmhouse. Find out more here
 

Awarded RIAI House of the Year, Munster 2017, House At Teeroneer in East Clare is an impressive two-storey house, that is sure to inspire. Find out more about the Architect led tour by Peter Cody here
 
Constructed in 1932, St Mary’s Church, Westport was one of the first concrete churches in Ireland. David Cox of Cox Power Architects will lead a 1-hour tour and presentation that will focus on the conservation work at Saint Mary’s Church. Find out more here
 

Architecture and Yoga

 

 
As well as exploring the stunning architecture of the West, there are two opportunities to explore that architecture of you own body. A Saturday morning session takes place in NUI Galway (Find out more here). And for a Sunday morning stretch, head along to Thoor Ballylee (Find out more here)
 

Friday 26th October

 
Finally, after an inspirational weekend exploring the architectural delights of the West of Ireland, why not sign up for this year’s Placemaking Symposium and Workshops which will focus on the regeneration of Nun’s Island. For more details see here.
 
 

Architecture at the Edge 2018

This is only a sample of some of the wonderful events planned for the Architecture at the Edge 2018 Festival. Visit their website for the full programme.  Finally, all details were correct at time of publication. But be sure to confirm details with organisers before you travel.