Swords Castle wins award for innovative work on East Tower Consolidation
Since 2013 a multi-disciplinary team of conservation engineers, archaeologists and architects have been carrying out conservation works under National Monument Ministerial Consent 450.
One of the major conservations challenges was the consolidation of the East Tower. The overall stability of the ruins was a matter of concern considering the pronounced lean on the tower, extensive cracking, and surface erosion of the Dublin calp limestone. Following the removal of vegetation temporary propping was installed. The permanent solution was developed and implemented in the most recent works phase.
The unique design solution the team devised combined modern methods alongside traditional to conserved as much of the medieval fabric as possible. An honestly-expressed, functional concrete plate ties the three remaining walls together and a traditional lime-based shelter coat protects the vulnerable masonry. The visual impact is striking, clearly differentiating the new insertion from the original as well as being respectful of the historic setting.
At the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards 2019, The Architects Department were proud to have received the Heritage and Conservation award for this innovative work on the Castle.
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Swords Castle lights up in support of International Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day 15th October 2019
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Celebrating World Mental Health Day
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Swords Summer Festival 2019
Cruinniú na nÓg in the Castle
A Day of Youthful Creativity –
June 15th 2019 10.00am – 4.00pm
Ireland is the first and only country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18.Cruinniú na nÓg is the flagship initiative of Creative Ireland’s Creative Youth plan which aims to enable the potential of children and young people. Fingal Cruinniú will culminate in a fun daylong event in Swords Castle where there will be something for everyone – storytime, circus performers, robots, lego workshops, art workshops & more. The event will also host a showcase of creativity from children in the Dublin 15 area who worked with creativity facilitators ‘Make Create Innovate’ over 6 weeks in Blanchardstown Library. They will be displaying their creative projects on the theme of ‘Climate Change’. These include musical instruments, mini-speakers, motion motors, wearable tech, and stunning LED artwork.
BOOKING INFORMATION
All events are free. Some events don’t need to be booked but please check with Blanchardstown Library
at 01 890 5563 or email linda.larrigan@fingal.ie
Silver Tree – Sensory story time with Cliodhna Noonan is a calm, reflective, first-time experience suitable for everyone and will be held in a sensory friendly marquee in the Castle with performances
at 10.30am, 12.30pm & 14.30pm
Dublin Circus Project 6 circus performers will perform and interact with the audience throughout the day showcasing skills such as juggling, stilts, hula hoop & acrobatics.
Mechatrons Meet the robots Dalek, R2D2, Creeper, Cyclextrics, Rascals & AL-1X & watch them in the Robogeddan arena.
Origami workshops & face painting throughout the day.
Silly Billy Children’s Entertainment present the show
“Science is us & Everything in the World”
at 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.15pm & 2.45pm (Each show is 45 mins)
Magic Show at 11.00am, Balloon Modelling at 12.00pm &
Puppet Show at 2.00pm with Really Grand Events Children’s Entertainment
E2 Young Engineer’s Lego Workshops
at 10.00am, 11.15am & 12.30pm (each workshop lasts 60 mins)
Airmax Inflatables – Mobile Climbing Wall
Measuring in at over 35ft in height, this mammoth inflatable climbing wall will act as a beacon enticing people both young and old from far and wide. Capable of accommodating 2 people at a time, the inflatable climbing wall is great for any event, big and small.
Coming with 2 trained operators, participants are safely secured in special harnesses designed for the climbing wall and attached to one of our operators to ensure that not only a fun time is had by all but a safe time as well.
An Animal Roadshow will be present all day and provide an interactive mobile education programme showing a variety of exotic creatures in a safe and entertaining way. With close encounters and loads of handling opportunities, you can interact with lizards, snakes, owls, tortoises, and many more.
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Leinster Pipe Band Championships 2019
The Leinster Pipe Band Championships will be held in Swords Castle on Saturday May 4th at the bank holiday weekend.
Hosted by Fingal County Council and the Leinster Branch of the Irish Pipe Band Association, the event is coming back to Fingal again after a very successful event last year.
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid said: ‘I am delighted that Fingal will have the opportunity again to host this culturally significant event in Swords Castle, a site that is rich in culture and heritage. I look forward to seeing the variety of talent displayed during this competition.’
