Dublin Civic Trust, 2015
Type: Hardback, 272 pages

A new revision of the previous edition of Period Houses, printed in 2001, which was a pioneering manual for best practice repair and maintenance of period houses in Dublin. The 2015 edition, undertaken by the same author, conservation surveyor Frank Keohane, greatly widens the scope of the manual with a comprehensive array of new topics now covering all of Ireland.  

Irish Period Houses provides invaluable information for the homeowner and building professional into the design of traditional houses, their construction materials and decorative elements, and expert guidance on how they can be repaired and enhanced with best conservation practice. The book is arranged into 25 easily navigated chapters, with subjects ranging from traditional walls and roofs, windows, internal joinery, damp, timber decay, decorative finishes and energy efficiency. A unique feature is the array of specifications from historic builder’s manuals and architect’s instructions which provide an invaluable insight into how Ireland’s buildings were originally assembled. 

Over 1000 colour illustrations and diagrams provide useful instruction on typical features and materials used in Irish traditional buildings, problems commonly encountered, and best practice solutions for their conservation, repair and replacement where necessary. Author Frank Keohane distils years of surveying experience working on hundreds of historic buildings of all types and periods across Ireland. Many of the country's leading conservation contractors have also contributed to the rich array of instructive images and case studies featured. 

For anyone who owns, manages or occupies a traditional building in Ireland, or who is thinking of taking on a building conservation project, this is the must-have, definitive reference guide to the subject.