A two-day event focusing on the preservation and cultural significance of dry-stone walling in the Burren takes place this Saturday and Sunday (July 19th and 20th) at the Common Knowledge Centre in Kilfenora.
Co-hosted by Clare County Council, Common Knowledge, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, the North Clare Communities Group and the Burrenbeo Trust, ‘Dry Stone Walls of the Burren’, follows the recent inclusion of Irish Dry Stone Walling on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Dry stone walling is an ancient building method that involves carefully placing interlocking stones without the use of mortar or adhesive materials. This technique, which relies on gravity and the weight distribution of stones to create stability, has been practiced in the Burren for centuries. The region is known for its extensive and distinctive dry stone wall network, which reflects the geology, history and agricultural traditions of the area.
Siobhán McNulty, Director of Services in the Tourism Directorate of Clare County Council stated, “This event is being hosted against the backdrop of active conservation efforts to protect a unique element of the Burren’s identity by our partners in the project. Clare County Council is delighted to be part of this work as we work together to protect our heritage and environment, while showcasing the uniqueness of this area of the county”.
Geologist with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark Dr Eamon Doyle, explained, “The Burren landscape has been shaped not only by geological forces over millions of years, but also by the hands of people through traditions like dry stone walling. These walls are more than boundaries — they are part of the Burren’s geological and cultural story. Preserving them means preserving a unique connection between people, place, and deep time”.
Fionn Kidney, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Common Knowledge, a non-profit social enterprise located in the Burren added, “Dry stone walls are a defining feature of the Burren landscape and are considered an important part of Ireland’s rural heritage. However, many of these structures are now under threat due to factors such as livestock damage, aging rural populations and a decline in traditional building knowledge. This gathering is about celebrating and spreading that knowledge — and ensuring it’s passed on to future generations”.
Conservation Officer at the Burrenbeo Trust Karen van Dorp said, “Building and repairing dry stone walls is a highly skilled craft that requires technical knowledge and hands-on experience. By learning directly from experienced practitioners such as Burren farmers and stonemasons, our volunteers not only help maintain these traditional structures today but also contribute to the long-term preservation of this heritage. With so much of our cultural and natural landscape under threat, the Burrenbeo Conservation Volunteers (BCV) play a vital role in safeguarding, sustaining and sharing the unique legacy of the Burren through their commitment and teamwork”.
The Saturday programme is free to attend with registration and will include a series of panel discussions, practical demonstrations and educational workshops. Topics will include the cultural, ecological and geological importance of dry-stone walls, current conservation practices, and ways to sustain traditional knowledge through education and community initiatives.
On Sunday, an optional guided walk will take place through selected dry stone wall sites in the local area. The walk will be led by heritage specialist Rory O’Shaughnessy and Karen van Dorp of the Burrenbeo Trust. Tickets for the walk are priced at €20 and advance booking is recommended due to limited capacity.
For further details or to register for Saturday’s event, attendees can visit www.ourcommonknowledge.org/events/drystonewallsoftheburren
