The annual Architecture Kerry festival, held from September 22nd to October 1st, expanded this year, celebrating local architecture in Kerry. The event featured free guided tours, exhibitions, and lectures, offering a diverse exploration of Kerry’s architectural landscape and access to significant architectural sites.
One highlight was the children’s event, “Construct Fun” at Tralee Library, where kids aged 18 months to 11 years built cardboard castle-houses. Orla O’Kane, President of the Architectural Association of Ireland, praised the children’s creativity and shared her own architectural beginnings rooted in play.
Visitors and tour attendees lauded the event’s exceptional organization and collaboration among various stakeholders, including the council, local craftspeople, national specialists, and the Irish Georgian Society.
The Kerry Writers’ Museum hosted “Burning the Big Houses” at Listowel as part of the Architecture Kerry 2023 program. Speakers presented talks celebrating Kerry’s Big Houses, complemented by an exhibition curated by Professor Dooley from Maynooth University, exploring the legacy of the War of Independence and Civil War.
Victoria McCarthy, festival organizer, expressed gratitude to the Kerry County Museum, Kerry Library, and the Risk Control Department for their support. She highlighted the deepened community connections and partnerships formed during Architecture Kerry 2023 and thanked various organizations for their support.
McCarthy acknowledged the festival participants, including children, schools, building owners, tour providers, speakers, practitioners, and craftspeople, emphasizing Kerry’s rich heritage and skills.
Architecture Kerry received support from Kerry County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, in collaboration with the Heritage Council, the Architectural Association of Ireland, the OPW, the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, the Irish Georgian Society, the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society, the History Department at Maynooth, and the Trustees of Muckross House. The event was part of the Creative Ireland Programme in Kerry.
