Mourne Homesteads in County Down

This is the winner of a Diploma

The Mourne area is scattered with derelict dwellings which form an integral part of the landscape. Restoration of three abandoned vernacular buildings in the Mourne area for the Mourne Heritage Trust constitutes phase 2 of the Mourne Homestead Project, which involves the rehabilitation of a total of 7 dwellings.

Each property was restored to provide for modern family living for members of the original family. The project included an educational component involving teaching and demonstrating traditional skills and the use of traditional materials, while the original layout and details were retained wherever possible.

“For the sensitive rehabilitation of derelict dwellings, with scrupulous regard for vernacular materials and building techniques, that has greatly enriched the landscape and generated educational and employment benefits.”