Former family home is history
It follows the discovery by archaeologists of an oak frame structure in a former family home at Chapel Lane in Ennis, Co Clare.
Dendrochronological analysis is expected to conclude the timber structure dates back to the late 16th century.
David Humphreys of ACP Consultant Conservation Engineers said: “The evidence suggests very strongly this is the earliest surviving example of a timber framed home in Ireland.
“If it is what we think it is, this is very exciting.
“The find is of national importance and, I suspect, international importance.”
Mr Humphreys said the earliest known timber-framed home in Ireland previously was demolished in the 1840s.
Work has been continuing on owner Irene Clune’s house, known as McParland’s. The building’s triple diamond stone Jacobean chimney has been an icon of medieval Ennis for centuries.
Work began on the structure — occupied until last year — after Clare County Council concluded the structure was unstable and represented a danger to the general public.
The council is spending e170,000 to make the building safe, including a support grant of e85,000 from the Depart-ment of the Environment.
According to Frank Coyne, a consultant archaeologist from Aegis Archaeology, the limited archaeological excavation “has revealed a wealth of information”.
He said: “The existence of a foundation cut in the interior of the house indicates an earlier structure on the site which is also borne out by the presence of large oak beams in the walls.
“It is hugely significant that these beams are oak, which will enable us to use tree ring dating. If these prove to be of medieval date, which we believe is the case, then this means that this house is the only structure of its type in the country.”
Ennis mayor Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (FF) said: “The works to McParland’s, when completed, will yield invaluable information on the traditional skills and construction techniques of late medieval Ennis.
“This work makes the building safe and protects a major piece of the history and character of Ennis. I have no doubt that the building will continue to be of tremendous interest to all those who have an appreciation of the importance of our heritage and the very fine examples of medieval architecture in the town.”
Conservation officer Richard Cronin said the discoveries at McParland’s enhanced Ennis’s status as the most intact medieval town in Ireland.
“Evidence appears to come to light regularly showing the whole town centre from the Abbey, to the Old Ground and to Lower Parnell St contains a large amount of late medieval masonry, most of which is hidden behind Georgian and Victorian facades.”
The restoration work is scheduled for completion in February 2012.
