*An aerial view of Hastings Farmhouse.
DÚCHAS na Sionna hopes to create a lasting legacy for the town of Shannon which connects the industrial town to its historical foundations through the restoration of Hastings Farmhouse.
Located only two kilometres from the bustling Shannon Town Centre is a recovered 18th century cottage. Since its recovery in 2012, Dúchas na Sionna has been working together with the hannon Archaeological and Historical Society, to restore the once forgotten farmhouse to its former state using traditional building techniques. The aim of this project is to preserve an integral element of Shannon’s pre-airport history and to cultivate a stronger sense of community within the town.
Dúchas na Sionna hopes to open Hastings Farmhouse as a cultural centre of excellence and heritage site in Shannon by the end of 2025. The journey of this ambitious restoration began with a shared belief in the importance of fostering the heritage and little-known history of Shannon.
John O’Brien, Chairperson of Dúchas na Sionna explained that Shannon came to be as a purpose-built town which evolved from the establishment of Shannon Airport in the 1940s. “Most people wouldn’t know, there’s any history. Shannon is a new town built on an old rural landscape and unlike virtually every town in the country, it didn’t evolve the usual way. Towns are centred on river crossings or castles or ports”.
John explains that due to its unconventional evolution, it is important to preserve the scarce historical artefacts found in Shannon. “This is the last connection with that old landscape and it’s actually within the town pretty much so it’s to provide a connection. We want to foster that whole heritage and conservation aspect of Shannon you know not just not just an industrial town, not just a residential town not just an airport town”.
The project is a community driven initiative and the involvement of key organizations, such as the Heritage Council, Shannon Development, and the Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society has been invaluable to the success of Hastings House. “The Heritage Council has enabled the whole thing really, they kept us going when others were doubtful,” Ron Kirwan, communications officer for Dúchas na Sionna said.
One of the most striking elements of the project is its hands-on approach to heritage conservation. As part of the restoration efforts, volunteers are using traditional methods to rebuild the house’s original features, such as the mud walls, which are a key part of its historic charm. “We did a demonstration mud wall building during heritage week. It was the first time we tried rebuilding one of the walls,” said Olive Carey Dúchas na Sionna secretary.
The project also aims to preserve the house’s historical narrative, connecting it to the broader history of Shannon. “We’re trying to tell the story of the people who lived here, the people who built it, and how it all fits into the bigger picture of the town,” said Olive. This is why the project includes features that highlight local history, like the barn restoration and the connections to General Lucas, a figure whose legacy still impacts the community”.
While the project celebrates the past, it also firmly looks toward the future. Incorporating modern sustainable building practices is at the forefront of the restoration efforts. Plans include adding solar panels and an air-to-water heating system to the house, making it not only a historic space but an environmentally responsible one. “It’ll be kind of self-sustaining. You know, in a way it’ll reflect the Shannon community, where the old meets the new,” said Ron.
Looking forward, the project represents a new chapter for Shannon. Volunteers continue to pour their time and energy into this restoration, knowing that they are not just rebuilding a house, but a sense of pride and connection for the entire community. “Shannon is a place you have to build everything from the ground up. And this is part of building it. It’s about creating something that will last, something that will stand the test of time” said Olive
The story of Shannon’s heritage is being written by those who care about its future, and their efforts are paving the way for a community that can look back with pride and look forward with hope. “I think that’s really what Dúchas [na Sionna] is about,” said Ron “it’s about building that community and connection to the heritage”.
