Lime Kiln & Staff Dwelling

Lime kilns form part of Ireland’s rich industrial heritage and are widely distributed throughout the landscape. Lime has been produced for thousands of years and was in great demand for the building of castles, churches and towns. This lime kiln and dwelling, most likely dates from the 18th century and was constructed to produce lime for local needs.

Lime is produced by heating limestone to a very high temperature in an open-topped chamber with an opening at the base, known as the eye. A fire was lit through this opening and the kiln was filled from above with alternating layers of turf and stone chips. The fire would burn for many days and sometimes for weeks. The lime was removed from the base with long-handled shovels. The labour- intensive process required several workmen who would have resided in the adjoining dwelling for the duration of the work.

This image shows the remains of an old lime kiln and adjoining staff dwelling on our 6th hole. This was once used to produce lime for local businesses.