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Rediscovering Significance: Exploring the Cultural Landscape Development of Geashill, County Offaly, 1840–1890

Part 2 Dissertation 2021
James Lalor
University College Dublin | Ireland
This research analyses the cultural landscape development of Geashill, County Offaly, Ireland in relation to the landlord, agent, and tenant relationship, and how this is represented in the built heritage and landscape features of Geashill. Geashill experienced a significant morphological change during the period 1840–1890. The scope of this research involves documenting and analysing existing built fabric, spatial changes, and landscape features present in the area to understand their significance and convey the social factors that have shaped their development.

Geashill received national and international recognition for the drainage and building works carried out on the estate during this period and acted as an exemplar for other landlords who were also aspiring to ‘improve’ their estates.

William Steuart Trench was one of the most prolific land agents of that era and his influence on the village is still evident today. The established Architectural Conservation Area only defines a small area in the village core but the impact of the works carried out in the nineteenth century extend much further than that. This research ascribes the status of a relict cultural landscape to Geashill and elucidates the need to preserve, protect and conserve this significant area.


Tutor(s)
Aideen Herron
2021
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