This series of images dates from 21 April 2016 and I have visited a number of times since then.
Swords Castle was built as the manorial residence of the Archbishops of Dublin around 1200 or a little later in Swords, just north of Dublin. I visited a number of times since but because of Covid-19 restrictions I could not gain access to view the results of a recent restoration programme. I hope to visit again within a few weeks.
It was never strong in the military sense, but covers a large pentagonal walled area of nearly 1.5 acres (6,000 m²) with a tower on the north, probably the Constable's residence, and an impressive gateway complex on the south. The warder may have occupied the quarters to the left of the gate, while to the right was the janitor's room with the priest's room overhead. The adjoining chapel, built in the late thirteenth century, was probably used as the Archbishop's private oratory.
Other buildings, recorded for an inquisition in 1326, have now vanished, including the great hall on the east side of the enclosure. The Archbishop abandoned Swords once a new palace was built at Tallaght in 1324 - a move no doubt encouraged by damage sustained during Bruce's campaign of 1317. The stepped battlements suggest some form of occupancy during the fifteenth century, but by 1583, when briefly occupied by Dutch Protestants, it was described as "the quite spoiled old castle". It was used as a garden in the nineteenth century and sold after the Church of Ireland was disestablished.
The newly renovated castle was used as a film location for the production of TV series The Tudors in spring 2010.
Since 2013 a multi-disciplinary team of conservation engineers, archaeologists and architects have been carrying out conservation works under National Monument Ministerial Consent 450.
One of the major conservations challenges was the consolidation of the East Tower. The overall stability of the ruins was a matter of concern considering the pronounced lean on the tower, extensive cracking, and surface erosion of the Dublin calp limestone. Following the removal of vegetation temporary propping was installed. The permanent solution was developed and implemented in the most recent works phase.
The unique design solution the team devised combined modern methods alongside traditional to conserved as much of the medieval fabric as possible. An honestly-expressed, functional concrete plate ties the three remaining walls together and a traditional lime-based shelter coat protects the vulnerable masonry. The visual impact is striking, clearly differentiating the new insertion from the original as well as being respectful of the historic setting.
At the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards 2019, The Architects Department received the Heritage and Conservation award for this innovative work on the Castle.
