About the Irish Georgian Society

 
The Irish Georgian Society is a membership organisation that promotes awareness and the protection of Ireland's architectural heritage and its decorative arts. These aims are achieved through the activities of its membership and through its conservation and education programmes.

The Irish Georgian Society was founded in 1958 by the Hon. Desmond Guinness and Mariga Guinness for the protection of buildings of architectural merit in Ireland. Many fine houses have been saved through their enthusiasm and commitment, and the dedication of members and supporters. The current President is Desmond FitzGerald, 29th Knight of Glin.

Work of the Irish Georgian Society

- Conservation outreach programme

 
The Society organises public conferences and specialist seminars which aim to provide more in-depth understanding of conservation issues. Upcoming events include a series of talks on how to conserve historic houses and seminars on energy efficiency in historic buildings. The Society also runs an annual exhibition of traditional skills to promote greater understanding of the crafts entailed in conserving historic properties. This year the exhibition was held in Castletown, Co. Kildare.

 
 
 
- Conservation projects

 
Using funds raised by members of the Society in the US and the UK, the Society supports the conservation and restoration of historic buildings, interiors, gardens and monuments.

Recent projects include:

 
          
• To mark the 50th anniversary of the Irish Georgian Society in 2008, the Society restored the Robert Adam designed ‘Eating Parlor’ in Headfort, Kells, Co. Meath. These works were completed in 2009.

 'Eating Parlor' after restoration

          
• Scregg House, Co.Roscommon, was built in the 1760s and is of considerable regional importance due to the sophistication of its design in an area that was peripheral at the time of construction. The Society awarded a conservation grant for the repair of the roof and rainwater goods.

 
          
• From the early 1980s until 2006, the Society supported conservation works at Ledwithstown, Co. Longford, an important ‘classic Irish house of the middle-size’ that is attributed to Richard Castle and built c. 1740. Most recently the Society awarded a grant to assist in the restoration of a suite of panelled rooms.

 
          
• Barmeath Castle, Co. Louth is a house of national interest for the survival of multiple layers of architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage interest. The Society restored a conical roof at this house and thereby saved a significant gothic plastered ceiling.

 
          
• Kilshannig, Co. Cork is one of the very finest Palladian country houses in the country and over a number of years the Society awarded grants to assist the restoration of plasterwork by the La Francini brothers and the reinstatement of cupolas on pavilions to either side of the house.

 
 

 
- Buildings at risk

 
The Society has always acted as a champion of buildings and sites of significant architectural and historical importance that are threatened by neglect or inappropriate development. Through their work as an advisor and advocate, the Society provides balanced opinion and guidance based on objective knowledge, experience and expertise.

 
 
The Irish Georgian Society is currently campaigning for the protection of Vernon Mount, Co. Cork, an exquisite “cottage palace” built c. 1780 with ceiling paintings of classical scenes by local artist Nathaniel Grogan surviving inside. This house is highly threatened due to continued negligence over a ten year period.

 

Exterior of Vernon Mount, Co. Cork

Membership

 
The Society has an international membership of 2,800. Based in Dublin, they have active regional Chapters in Cork, Birr and Limerick and in the UK a thriving London Chapter. The Society's strong United States membership has its headquarters in New York and Chapters in Chicago and Palm Beach.

 
 Events
 
Membership events are organised in Dublin and by local Chapters and these
include architectural tours throughout the year and lectures during the autumn
and winter months. In addition to these events, the benefits of membership include a twice-yearly magazine; the Society’s annual journal Irish Architectural and Decorative Studies and free or concessionary access to selected heritage properties in Ireland.

 
 Members Event, Merrion Square, Dublin.

Cost of Membership

Individual membership costs €60 per year and includes:

 - Special winter lecture series (October to April)

 - National and international trips and tours

 - Free entry to Office of Public Works heritage sites

 - Free and concessionary access to other historic houses and properties throughout the country.

 - 15% discount to Irish Landmark Trust self catering holiday accomodation

 - Subscribers’ discounts to Irish Arts Review

 - 10% discount on purchases at the Society’s bookshop

 - Twice-yearly newsletter

 - Young Irish Georgian events for members under 40

Family, student and contributory membership also available. You may also become a Patron or Benefactor to The Irish Georgian Society.

Further Information:

The Irish Georgian Society

74 Merrion Square

Dublin 2

Tel: (01) 676 7053

email: info@igs.ie

web: www.igs.ie