Conservation
Workshops
The ongoing conservation work at Knockelly presents a invaluable opportunity for sharing knowledge. The work concerns both the built infrastructure and the surrounding lands and draws upon a diverse range of experts, from stone masons to ecologists. We are passionate about promoting wider conservation and wish to share what we learn, as we face and overcome challenges, make mistakes, discover, restore and create.
Upcoming Workshops
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Lime mortars for beginners
Saturday 28th March 2026
A one-day, hands-on introduction to lime mortars for older buildings. Learn when and why lime should be used, how to mix it correctly, and how to repoint stonework with care, all on a real conservation site at Knockelly. Led by conservation consultant Tom Pollard, the day combines clear guidance with practical experience. Includes a generous homemade organic vegetarian lunch, with sourdough, seasonal salads, cakes and good coffee.
Tickets cost €180.
All relevant materials are provided.
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Painting with nature : Exploring native Irish grasslands through botanical art
Date of next workshop to be announced soon.
Join ecologist and botanical artist, Mieke Muyllaert for a guided meadow walk and painting workshop. This one-day course is aimed at those who would like to gain a better understanding of Irish native grassland habitats and their conservation management. Using a ‘learning to look’ approach combining ecology and art, participants can learn or improve basic plant identification skills in the old limestone meadows surrounding the castle and take a deep dive into a chosen plant in an introduction to botanical art. No previous experience of botany or art is necessary.
Ticket price to be confirmed.
Morning tea / coffee, lunch & all relevant materials are included.
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An introduction to restoring an older building
Date of next workshop to be announced soon.
From identifying problems and appropriate solutions, to retrofitting and the Vacant & Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant. This one day-workshop is being led by conservation expert, Tom Pollard and aims to equip anyone thinking of taking on a restoration project, but is not sure where to start.
Ticket price to be confirmed.
Morning tea / coffee & lunch are included.
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Using hot-mix lime mortars in winter
Dates of 2025 workshop to be announced soon.
This two-day course is geared towards experienced trades / craftspeople who have a working knowledge of hot-mix mortars. This workshop will equip you to confidently apply traditional hot-mix mortars in winter. Learn about age-old and largely forgotten techniques that assist setting, while putting theory into practice with several taught practicals. The course is delivered by Tom Pollard, an experienced stone mason and conservation consultant.
Ticket price to be confirmed.
Morning tea / coffee, lunch and all relevant materials are provided on both days.
If you are interested in attending, please register below.
As we become established and the Knockelly project evolves, we will offer an increasing range conservation workshops, covering topics from traditional building skills for both beginners and advanced practitioners, to wildflower meadow management and woodland establishment. Proceeds from the workshops help support the ongoing work at Knockelly.