Between 1830 and 1930, Irish urban and rural landscapes were transformed through the building and development activities of the Roman Catholic church. Many of the buildings constructed during this period are still actively used, while others are currently undergoing changes of use, or are falling into ruin. These include schools, convents, churches, recreational spaces and monasteries. This poses a challenge for the communities associated with these buildings, as well as for architectural historians, urban planners and heritage managers.
This symposium will bring together researchers, heritage professionals, and architects who work with the buildings produced by the Roman Catholic church in Ireland between 1830 and 1930. It will also bring together those who continue to use the buildings as active spaces of worship, and those who use the buildings in new ways. The aim of this symposium is to share current research and practice, and to begin to collaboratively map a research agenda for this area going forward.
The keynote address will be given by Dr Sarah Roddy from the University of Manchester, and speakers include Dr Richard Butler (University of Leicester), Dr Gillian O’Brien (Liverpool John Moores University), Jessie Castle (Historic Buildings Consultant), Dr Danielle O’Donovan (Nano Nagle Place), Professor John McCafferty (University College Dublin), and Dr Joseph MacMahon, OFM. Panel chairs and respondents will include Dr Patrick Doyle (University of Manchester), Dr Caroline McGee (Trinity College Dublin), and Dr Lisa Godson (National College of Art and Design).
The symposium will include a site visit to the John Henry Newman campus, part of Mary Immaculate College in Limerick.