Masons restore historic Saleen shoreline walls in Cork harbour

A scenic and popular walkway on the edge of Cork Harbour is getting a bit of TLC from experts restoring its historic shoreline stone walls.

Parts of the unique walls along the road between Saleen and East Ferry have taken a battering in recent years from the increasing ferocity of storms linked to climate change.

The walls were expertly constructed by stonemasons in the early 1800s. While some sections have withstood the test of time, others have been severely damaged.

However, the Saleen and District Community Council has swung into action and successfully applied for government and council funding to repair sections, with workers currently on site restoring the walls.

The walls were originally built with old red sandstone mixed with some local shale.

The stone wall rises about 1m above shore level and, on the other side, about 0.3m above the road. It extends for approximately 2km.

According to Michelle O’Driscoll, spokeswoman for the local community council, the wall has a distinctive style, with the stones predominantly laid vertically and deeply pointed with lime mortar.

They’ve received grants for the restoration works because the wall has been designated a “heritage at risk” project.

“The old sea wall at Saleen Creek is a prime example of heritage at risk. When we think of the hours spent and the skills required to construct the wall, we come to realise the importance of making efforts to save and protect it,” 

Ms O’Driscoll said.

The community council first got funding for some restoration in 2019 from the county council. Since then, it’s also got money from the Heritage Council for repairs, and another round of work is currently ongoing.

“The craftsmanship of Keith Deasy and his team of skilled masons, using traditional skills, can be appreciated by all who pass by,” Ms O’Driscoll added.