Trinity's iconic Campanile re-emerges after repairs

Posted on: 21 February 2025

Project Lead Derek Waters said:

“We are delighted to have completed these essential works and even more pleased to be able to remove the scaffolding that has hidden such a landmark building from view. Credit is due to everyone who helped bring this work to completion. We know how much our students, staff and visitors value the Campanile.” 

The works to the Campanile Tower were required due to fabric deterioration and Trinity undertook the restoration of its historic fabric in line with best conservation practice.

Considerable work was done to repair the decorative cast iron grilles in the openings which had started to come loose due to corrosion. The grilles had cracks in various locations and some sections had to be replaced.

All the external stonework around the tower, including the prominent corner statues representing Divinity, Science, Medicine and Law, needed repointing. The internal platforms and other support structures also required significant repair work.

The project was partially funded by Dublin City Council, by way of a Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) conservation grant. The works were carried out under the direction of the University’s Estates and Facilities Department with a Design Team that included Howley Hayes Cooney Architects (Conservation), APNA Quantity Surveyors & Fitzsimons Consulting Engineers. The main contractor was Murcom with their specialist sub-contractors - Oldstone Conservation, Bushy Park Ironworks, Custom Crew & Connect Scaffolding.

Weather allowing, the scaffolding is due to be removed entirely in the coming days.

Images by Paul Sharp and Sally-Anne Fisher

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