Learn the timeless craft of traditional stone walling, including dry and lime bonding techniques, and gain the skills to carry out your own repairs and new builds.
In December 2024, Ireland’s Dry Stone construction method was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a tradition worth celebrating and continuing through hands-on learning.
Who is this course for?
Whether you care for old stone walls, want to build a new one in Ireland’s traditional style, are restoring a building, planning a DIY project, or just curious about heritage skills, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to create something that lasts. You’ll learn from our skilled instructors who have kept this tradition alive for generations.
You can also purchase this course as a gift here.
What will you learn?
The earliest evidence of dry stone field enclosures in Ireland date from over 4000 years ago, in the Ceide fields of County Mayo, and these iconic features of our landscape have become a defining part of the scenery of the west of Ireland. This workshop is aimed at the beginner or novice who has an interest in understanding these age-old techniques for modern application:
The skills and knowledge involved in creating a standing structure without mortar
How to set profiles
How to create foundation layers
Terminologies used in walling
How to use face bonding to add strength
What will you take away?
You’ll leave with the confidence to start creating and repairing your own dry stone structures, and a deeper understanding and appreciation of the landscape around them.
You will also leave with a connection to other like-minded learners and stone obsessed pals.
How is the course structured?
Over two immersive days, this practical course will guide you through two traditional approaches to stone walling: Dry stone walling, as seen across Ireland’s landscapes in field boundaries and retaining walls, and lime bonding techniques, used in the construction of traditional stone cottages, farm buildings and boundary piers throughout the country. Both are essential to understanding the craft of historic Irish building techniques.
On Day 1, you’ll get hands-on with dry stone walling, learning how to select and lay stone without mortar, relying on gravity, placement, and ancient methods still used to this day for boundary and field walls.
On Day 2, the focus shifts to lime-based stone construction, the technique behind Ireland’s old stone cottages, barns, and gateposts. You’ll work directly with lime mortar, learning how to mix, apply, and build structurally sound walls using this breathable, natural material.
What’s included?
The course fee covers tuition, the use of tools and materials, and two wholesome and nutritious daily meals each day curated by our on-site chef, as well as tea, coffee and cake when it is most needed.
Staying with us at The Common Knowledge Centre
At The Common Knowledge Centre we now have a range of accommodation options on site to suit all budgets and needs. When you stay with us, you’ll be supporting our newly established guesthouse and be close to the action. We recommend arriving the evening before your course. You can view available accommodation on our booking page.
More information
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We will provide you with a loan of a hi-visibility vest for use when on-site. For your own safety, no loose-fitting clothing or shorts are permitted, and you should wear long sleeves.
The following safety gear is required and mandatory to participate in the course:
Steel toe-capped boots. No trainers, shoes or wellies will be allowed on site due to risk of injury.
Protective gloves
Safety glasses
Knee pads are also useful and will provide greater comfort.
You may already have some of these items or want to pick them up yourself. These items are available in our optional Site & Safety Kit which is available to purchase when you arrive at Common Knowledge.
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For more information about booking a course, accommodation options, and preparing for your course at Common Knowledge, see our
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Course Instructors
