Name: Stone Building: Short Course
Start: 2026-01-22T10:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-02-26T16:00:00+00:00
Location: Moira Works Depot

An in-depth introduction to building with stone and lime mortar
About this Event

Architectural Stone Carving: Short Course

This short course will provide an in-depth introduction to building with stone. This course will take place over four Thursdays. Please see information below for dates and times of sessions. Participants will increase their knowledge of types of building stone, how to dress stone, methods of building and the mixing and application of lime mortars.

Please note, lunch and refreshments will not be provided, and participants will need to bring a packed lunch with them on each day.

This course is being held as a partnership between CITB NI and Department for Communities Historic Environment Division.

Who should attend?

This workshop is open to all, and no construction experience is required; however, it is particularly aimed at those in the construction industry wishing to upskill, or those wishing to enter the construction industry. You will be guided by experienced craftspeople with a wealth of experience of maintaining and repairing Northern Ireland’s state care monuments.

Topics Covered

· Stone building

· Lime mortars

Course Sessions:

· Thursday, 22nd January

· Thursday 29th January

· BREAK

· Thursday 19th February

· Thursday 26th February

Time: 10am-4pm

Important information for attendees:

This event is limited to a maximum of eight attendees to maximise safety and opportunities to learn from the craftspeople. Please be aware that this course is taking place in a working depot. Attendees should wear sensible footwear, and it is advised that attendees wear warm clothing/ layers as activities will be taking place semi-outdoors. PPE will be provided. You should bring a packed lunch and refreshments with you. You will be able to use the fridge and microwave in the staff canteen.

Getting here:

There is limited parking at the depot, and participants are encouraged to take public transport wherever possible. The depot is located next door to Moira Train station, which has frequent trains to/ from Belfast. If attendees will require a car at the depot, please contact the event organiser to allow monitoring of car parking availability.

Trainers Overview:

The sessions will be led by experienced and skilled craftspeople from Historic Environment Division Moira Works Depot, who are responsible for maintaining and repairing Northern Ireland’s historic state care monuments.

Historic Environment Division within the Department for Communities is the government lead on the historic environment of Northern Ireland.