The History and Legacy of Brickwork in Dublin
Bricks have been at the heart of construction for millennia. Their use can be traced back to around 7000 BC, with early examples discovered in areas such as southern Turkey and the ancient city of Jericho. These early bricks were made of sun-dried mud, a testament to human ingenuity in creating durable building materials. By 3500 BC, the invention of fired clay bricks marked a significant leap forward, enabling the construction of monumental structures like the Great Wall of China. The Romans refined brickmaking and introduced fired bricks throughout Europe. Their methods persisted until the fall of the Roman Empire, after which brick usage declined.
It wasn’t until the medieval period that bricks regained prominence, playing a key role in constructing iconic buildings such as Florence’s Duomo and Hampton Court Palace in England. Dublin’s journey with bricks began in 1599 when George Burroughs established a brickmaking site on what is now Hawkins Street. However, bricks were initially less popular in Ireland compared to other countries, as the abundance of high-quality stone and timber made these materials the default for construction. This changed after the Great Fire of London in 1666, when legislation mandated the use of bricks to prevent future fires. This requirement influenced Irish building practices, leading to a rise in brick makers and bricklayers in Dublin.
By the 18th century, local brick production flourished in areas such as Merrion, Ringsend, and Sandymount an area once known as “Brickfield Town. In the 19th century, Crumlin emerged as a major hub for brick production. The area that is now Brickfields Park was once rich in yellow clay, an ideal material for making bricks. These bricks were widely used in constructing Dublin’s Victorian houses and played a crucial role in the city’s urban development. Sandymount, historically referred to as “Brickfield Town,” was another prominent site for brick production. Its local brickfields supplied materials for Dublin’s Georgian and Victorian streetscapes, contributing to the distinct aesthetic of the city. Though technically located in County Wicklow, Rathnew Brickworks had a significant impact on Dublin. This facility produced up to 30,000 bricks daily during its peak, many of which were transported to Dublin. The high-quality bricks from Rathnew were prized for their consistency and durability, featuring prominently in Dublin’s historic structures.
During the early 18th century, architectural trends across Europe, including in Ireland, began to emphasize refinement and elegance. This shift was particularly evident in urban centres where brick buildings were prominent, as builders and architects sought to create uniform and visually appealing streetscapes, often focusing on the symmetry and finish of brick facades. This period also coincided with the rise of Georgian architecture (1714–1830), which emphasized proportion, balance, and decorative details. Brick facades became a hallmark of this style, and their appearance was an essential aspect of design. As aesthetics gained importance, pointing techniques the finishes applied to mortar joints were developed and refined to enhance the visual appeal of brickwork. Techniques such as tuck pointing and wigging were introduced to mimic precision and uniformity, even when working with irregular handmade bricks, contributing to the elegance of Georgian streetscapes.
Flush Pointing.
A simple finish where the mortar is applied flush with the bricks, then beaten back to expose the aggregate.
Ruled (Penny Struck) Pointing
Creates a ruled line within the mortar joint, often seen on the rear facades of Georgian buildings.
Wigging Pointing
A uniquely Irish style that refines irregular handmade bricks into a polished facade, commonly found in Dublin.
Double Struck Pointing
Features neat ribbons created by cutting grooves above and below the mortar joint.
Tuck Pointing
A decorative style associated with England, using pigmented mortar and a white ribbon to mimic smaller, uniform bricks.
Weather struck Pointing
Compresses the upper edge of the mortar to create a sloped finish.
Bird Beak Pointing
Developed during the Tudor period, this style disguises irregular brick shapes by forming recessed peaks.
With the advent of Portland cement in the 19th and 20th centuries, its quick-setting and durable properties made it an appealing choice for pointing. By the mid-20th century in Ireland, as traditional crafts and materials declined, cement pointing became widespread. However, its long-term impact on historic structures has proven detrimental. Cement’s hardness and rigidity are incompatible with the softer, more flexible lime mortar traditionally used, often leading to cracked or spalled bricks. Additionally, cement traps moisture within walls, resulting in damp issues, frost damage, and accelerated decay. Its aesthetic impact is also significant, as cement ages poorly and disrupts the visual harmony of historic facades. The challenges of repair further exacerbate the issue; cement is difficult to remove without damaging the underlying brickwork, complicating future maintenance efforts. These factors have led modern preservationists to advocate strongly for the use of lime mortar in restoration projects. Lime mortar not only ensures compatibility and sustainability but also allows historic buildings to breathe and maintain their original character.
Today, as you walk around Dublin, you’ll notice an increasing number of beautiful examples of restoration projects that have embraced traditional lime mortar pointing. These restorations preserve the city’s historic charm while ensuring that its architectural heritage endures and are a real treat for the eyes .The stories of local brick production in Dublin whether from Crumlin, Sandymount, or Wicklow reflect the city’s industrial history and its influence on architecture. Understanding the evolution of bricks, pointing styles, and material compatibility is vital for preserving these historic structures. By returning to traditional techniques and materials like lime mortar, we can safeguard Dublin’s rich architectural heritage for generations to come.
