1 Arthur Street and 21 Ballynahinch Street, Royal Hillsborough, Co. Down

Situated in Royal Hillsborough, Co. Down and occupying a prominent corner site in the conservation area, 1 Arthur Street and 21 Ballynahinch Street were built around 1825. By 2017 only four grade B2 listed walls were left of the original blacksmith’s forge (21 Ballynahinch Street) and associated blacksmith’s house (1 Arthur Street). In 2017, the properties were purchased by new owners. As the buildings contribute so much to the distinctive style of the Hillsborough conservation area the new owners were determined to restore the properties and have successfully restored unique features such as the lattice windows, creating work for local craftspeople in the process. Following the work, the buildings are now rented out for purposes that benefit the local community, namely a deli and a 2 bed cottage.

Triumphal Arch Lodge, Co. Fermanagh

This is great example of the fantastic work done by the Irish Landmark Trust. This lodge is one of the gateways to Colebrooke Park, one of Northern Ireland’s most important and historic stately homes which was recently renovated and refurbished by the present Viscount and Viscountess Brookeborough. It is now available as self-catering accommodation.

Former Church, Co. Galway

This former church was a ruin before work started on converting it into a modern home in 2005. It was built in 1820 but hadn’t been used as a church since 1920 and had remained derelict for decades, having also been used as a community hall. Some of the older neighbours in the area had stories of going to dances here and there was the remains of a rusty basketball hoop in what is now the kitchen. This church conversion took almost 3 years and it is now a very popular B&B.

Tullaun Castle, Co. Tipperary

The owners of Tullaun Castle spent four years searching for ancient ruins with a view to finding an ideal tower house to restore. That search eventually led them to Tullaun, an O’Kennedy tower house in North Tipperary. It’s in a very scenic location, surrounded by fields, woods and forestry. Picturesque Lough Derg is about 2 km away as the crow flies. From the top floors the views are magnificent. The ruins of Annagh and Cashlaunteigebocht (Poor Teige’s) Castles (both former O’Kennedy strongholds) can be seen from here. Follow the castle on Facebook.

Magherintemple Lodge, Co. Antrim

The Irish Landmark Trust completed the restoration work on this project in June 2011 and it is now available as self-catering accommodation. It is a beautiful building situated just outside the town of Ballycastle, Co. Antrim. Magherintemple Gate Lodge is interesting not only because of its architectural history but also because of its historical importance as the seat of the Casement family.

If you have restored or converted an old building and would like to have it featured on this page please contact us with details!