Conservation: Stone Walls and Pointing

Due to the nature of Limestone and its characteristics and in particular in its reaction with water there are certain problems that can arise from this. Limestone is a sedimentary rock which is primarily made of Calcium carbonate (CaCO3). When water reacts with the stone it tends to erode it. Over an extended period of time the stone can be reduced in size quite significantly. In parts of the older stone of the castle the stone had become loose due to the erosion of rainwater falling on the building. The castle management over the years have taken steps to resolve this problem and restore the stonework.

Due to the rainfall on the building especially in the western Ireland climate where there is a significant annual rainfall, the pointing of the stonework has also become frail and discoloured and in parts especially around the window cills start to turn green. This problem has also led to stones from the building becoming loose over time and the stone work not being fully defined by the separate stones. Recently the castle pointing was fully restored.

As part of the plan to restore the stonework any loose stones were removed from the structure. They were then evaluated whether the stone could be reused or not. If the stone was seen to be unfit it was replaced by a stone of similar match in colour and texture. If the stone was viable to be reused it was first washed and then redressed reapplying a similar texture to the stone. The stones were then refitted into the structure and left to settle. When the stones had settled into the wall the entire wall was washed. The pointing was then chased out in sections where it needed care and re pointed.