Friday 15th April 2005 saw the launch of the new Mourne Heritage Trust publication “Traditional Buildings in Ireland: Home Owners Handbook”. The book is a long held ambition by the Trust which has been involved in a building restoration scheme for the past number of years and is currently restoring a number of small traditional dwellings throughout the Mournes after successfully completing their first project, the restoration and extension of a two roomed cottage, last year.

The building programme is part of the Mourne Homesteads scheme which is featured in the handbook along with other case studies and chapters on practical advice and guidance for owners of small traditional dwellings. The book also outlines the availability of training in the traditional skills, so necessary to those who own or live in a traditional dwelling. The launch of the handbook was appropriately held in the setting of Hanna’s Close in Kilkeel, a restored 17th century clachan and one of only two remaining in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr. Isaac Hanna, Trustee with Mourne Heritage Trust and whose ancestral roots are traced back to Hanna’s Close said, “On behalf of the Mourne Heritage Trust, I would ask all owners of traditional buildings to read and enjoy this handbook, then look at the possibilities of restoration, refurbishment and perhaps even sympathetic enlargement of your traditional buildings to maintain and enhance our landscape.”

The guest speaker at the launch was Mr. Frank McDonald, Environment Editor with the Irish Times who voiced his enthusiasm for the book. Mr. McDonald has written extensively on architectural, heritage and environmental issues and is the author of a number of publications concerned with the built heritage. The book’s authors, Mr. Richard Oram and Mr. Dawson Stelfox, were also on hand and expressed their wish that homeowners would be encouraged by the case studies and advice offered in the book. At the end of the launch Mr Stelfox, who was the architect for the restoration of Hanna’s Close, provided a short tour of the Close.

Other speakers in attendance were Mr. Ian Murray from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Ms. Dana McAlister from Co-Operation Ireland, both organisations, along with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, provided the funding for the publication of the handbook.

Mourne Heritage Trust hopes that the handbook which has already stimulated great interest will prove an invaluable resource for owners of traditional dwellings and will stimulate the reader to explore for themselves the possibilities of their traditional buildings.

The handbook is currently out of print, it is hoped that  an updated version will be produced in the current year.  Further updates will be provided as appropritate. Contact Mourne Heritage Trust, 87 Central Promenade, Newcastle. Co. Down BT33 0HH.  Contact No 028 4372 4059 or email mht@mourne.co.uk