The building's finely crafted stonework, reminiscent of the late Medieval stonework found in the City Core, stands as a testament to the skills of 19th century masons, whilst its contribution to the industrial heritage of the City underlines its inclusion in City's Record of Protected Structures.

Opus Incertum used irregularly shaped and seemingly randomly placed masonry for the face of walls, and at the Lock Keeper's House this work is particularly fine.

The use of Galway green marble for the walls is particularly striking, & on a sunny day the colour of the building really shines.

The walls are coursed in a style known as 'Opus Incertum', an ancient Roman technique, which translates an 'Uncertain Work', or sometimes referred to as 'crazy paving'!

The building is unusual in Galway City due to its apparent detached form & use of materials.

Built in a Gothic Revival style, the building is a masonry tour de for force utilising grey limestone for the plinth, corbels, copings, eaves, window surrounds & quoins with beautiful chamfered corners.

Follow @conservationgalway.bsky.social for future updates on the site, and for future training events.
5/5

Many thanks to the Eoin, Louise, Liam, and Daryl from Madigan Traditonal Masonry for their hard work and guidance.

Thanks also to the support from National Built Heritage Service staff Sarah Jane Halpin, and Dr.Barry O'Reilly who gave a presentation on vernacular heritage on the day.
4/5

Huge thanks to all of the participants who really put their backs into the work & engaged so thoughtfully to the training. It was a great mix of local contractors, engineers, architects, Galway City Council staff, owners, & enthusiasts. They did a power of work in a short day!
3/5

The traditional building skills training day was funded by @nbhsireland.bsky.social & @conservationgalway.bsky.social.

The cement render was removed from the courtyard wall of the byre which revealed earth mortar construction. Training was provided on lime pointing, plastering, & limewashing.
2/5