Drystone walling
What is it?Drystone walling is building a stone wall without the use of lime mortar or cement.
Are all stone walls the same?No, they vary hugely, from single-skin walls built with large, smooth, rounded stones, which are a feature of the Connemara landscape, to herringbone-style walls in Co Clare, which are framed by large, upstanding pieces of limestone. Depending on the regional availability of the different kinds of stone, walls can be built from sandstone, limestone or even granite. The type of stone used influences the final look of the wall.
How is it done?To construct a drystone wall you must first grade your stones according to their size and shape, as each stone will have a distinct purpose in the construction of the wall. Once the width of a wall has been measured and the trench dug, a so-called batter frame is placed on each end of the wall with pieces of twine running the wall's length. The twine is moved during construction to help keep the wall straight all the way to the top.
The largest, most awkwardly shaped stones are placed in the trench for the foundation of the wall. The next phase is the placing of the face stones on either side of the wall. Here, medium-sized, flattish, almost square stones are best, so that a brick-like structure can be built up.
“The general rule is to get rid of the largest stones for the base and work towards smaller stones as you build up,” says Richard O’Gorman, who teaches courses in drystone-wall construction. “A good stone waller will place a stone and pick up another to wedge it in place without ever dropping a stone.”
The centre of a wall is filled in with rubble-like smaller stones called the hearting. This process helps lock together both faces of the wall.
About two-thirds of the way up the wall, through stones (long stones that are the width of the wall) are placed at regular intervals along the wall. Then smaller stones are placed on the top of the wall. These so-called coping stones are the important finishing touch to the wall.
How long does building a wall take?Experienced drystone wallers will build a five-metre wall in about two days. Beginners can generally learn how to build a drystone wall over the course of a weekend.
“People who come on the courses say that they can never look at a pile of stones in the same way again,” says O’Gorman.
Often the walls are built in fields and gardens where stone is already available. Sandstone is the stone of choice on these courses, as it is easier to handle than limestone or granite. Some quarries will sell and deliver various grades of stone for drystone wall construction.
Where do I sign up?Courses in drystone-wall construction are held at the Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co Leitrim (theorganiccentre.ie, 071-9854338,) and the Centre for Environmental Living and Training, Scariff, Co Clare (celtnet.org, 061-640765).
