Who we are
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Dublin Civic Trust was established in 1992 as a limited company. It is an educational trust with charitable status, whose objective is the recognition and protection of the city’s architectural heritage. It is a non-government organisation that generates its own funds through education, publications, sponsorship and membership - both individual and corporate.
To learn about the restoration of Dublin Civic Trust's townhouse and shop, click here.
What we do
We aim to create a forum for all citizens with the intention of promoting a better balance between the historic, cultural and social elements of the city, as well as encourage partnership with Government, local authorities and society.
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Through a number of conservation courses and seminars we aim to educate and inform on the resource value of period buildings. The qualities that distinguish old from new are fragile and can too easily be lost, but with thoughtful and knowledgeable care they can be protected for future generations. We promote the principle of best practice for the repair and maintenance of historic buildings, along with the development of employment in traditional building skills and crafts.
We also undertake consultancy work for architects and associated professional bodies, local authorities, private individuals and trade and craft associations. This work consists mainly of the compilation of architectural and historical assessments, impact statements and inventories of buildings, streets and districts.
We research and compile publications relating to the built heritage including the highly popular Period Houses, A Conservation Guidance Manual. Our series of books on the secondary streets of Dublin gives a comprehensive overview of many of the capital’s well known streets, and are an invaluable resource for professionals and anyone who loves Dublin.
Achievements
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Since our establishment in the early 1990s the Trust has engaged in many projects relating to the built heritage of the city. Just some of these include:
- Recording structures on many of Dublin’s principal and secondary streets, such as Henrietta Street, Capel Street, Dawson Street and Aungier Street.
- Recording over 15,000 buildings in Dublin and wider area, ranging from townhouses and merchant terraces, to significant public buildings like churches, banks and 20th century structures.
- The complete restoration of five historic buildings – some of which were proposed for demolition - through the Trust’s Revolving Fund, and the reinstatement of further buildings in conjunction with Dublin City Council.
- The compilation of two Architectural Conservation Area policies and inventories for Dublin City Council: O’Connell Street & Environs, and most recently, Thomas Street & Environs in the Liberties. The Trust has also carried out ACA inventories for other local authorities, such as Dalkey and designated streets in Galway city.
- Extensive work in the Liberties area of Dublin, including the publication of historical and advisory leaflets on building typologies particular to residential streets in the area, and the hosting of lectures about caring for and conserving your period home.
- Publishing many inventory and policy documents on built heritage, ranging from an Inventory of Dublin Historic Street Paving and Furniture, a Survey of Thatched Structures of Co. Mayo and a Survey of Industrial Heritage in County Waterford. A comprehensive Survey of Places of Worship within the Dublin City Council area was also carried out.
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- The compilation of the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) for local authorities in counties Mayo and Sligo.
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Survey of Kilkenny City and County, 2004, carried out by Blackwood Associates in association with Dublin Civic Trust.
- Grafton Streetscape Survey commissioned by Dublin City Business Association, inventorising and evaluating building stock and appraising streetscape.
- Historic building reports and assessments of many historic buildings commissioned by architects’ firms and private individuals. Work has also been carried out for architectural practices and property companies.
- Declaration reports on Protected Structures for local authorities, as undertaken since the adoption of the Planning & Development Act, 2000.
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- An evaluation of the historic core of Dublin as defined by its Georgian squares and major connecting commercial streets, commissioned by Dublin City Business Association.
- Dublin Civic Trust Awards Schemes: Conservation Awards and Photographic Awards
- One of the principal objectives of the Trust is to work in partnership with Government and local authorities. Through commissioned projects we have worked with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council, Mayo, Sligo and Waterford County Councils, and Galway City Council.
Current and ongoing projects
Part of the current work of the Trust is the assessment of the historic core of the city, with an emphasis on the identification and protection of historic streetscape. Some areas we are focusing on are:
- Stretches of historic Thomas Street in the Liberties, where formerly gable-fronted ‘Dutch Billy’ and early Georgian houses are under threat.
- Historic streetscape of North King Street that closes the vista of the north side of Smithfield.
Support
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Dublin Civic Trust is always looking for your support in its aims to promote and protect the built heritage of our cities and towns. The Trust has charitable status in Ireland, reference number CHY8193, and all donations over a designated amount are eligible for tax relief.
If you would like to become a Friend of the Trust, please fill in the form at the top (right) of the page, or for further information contact us below.
