It’s St Patrick’s Day, and the world is celebrating all things Irish. With its rich culture and picturesque landscapes, it’s the perfect opportunity to raise a glass to the Emerald Isle. 

One of the often overlooked but still significant contributions of Ireland lies in its influence on the construction industry. From ancient engineering marvels to modern architectural feats, Ireland has left an indelible mark on the world of construction over the centuries. 

In this blog, we’ll take you on a whistle-stop tour of the considerable Irish influence on global construction. 

Ancient engineering prowess 

Humans have inhabited Ireland for millennia, and evidence of cutting-edge ancient construction projects is still present today. One notable example is the Newgrange monument in the Boyne Valley, County Meath. Constructed around 5,200 years ago, this temple is older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza, and is best known for the illumination of its chamber by the winter solstice sun, demonstrating its ancient architects’ impressive knowledge of astronomy. 

Dry stone walls – an enduring tradition 

Although they aren’t exclusively Irish, dry stone walls are a huge part of the country’s rural construction heritage, with an estimated 400,000km of the walls stretching across the Irish countryside. The Céide Fields in County Mayo are home to some of the oldest dry stone walls in the world, dating back an approximate 5,800 years, but the practice is still alive and well today, with dry stone walls increasingly appearing around homes as a design statement and a nod to Ireland’s rural past.  

Shaping New York 

One of the world’s most famous cities, New York, could be missing many of its iconic landmarks if it wasn’t for Irish labour. In the decade following the Great Famine, over 900,000 Irish emigrated to New York, with many Irish immigrants taking jobs in construction, building much of the infrastructure that the Big Apple is now known for. Today, Irish Americans still account for over 5% of the city’s population, and you can pay your respects at the Irish Hunger Memorial at Battery Park City. 

Modern architectural marvels 

In more recent years, Ireland has become a hub for modern architecture. Dublin in particular has seen a surge in contemporary building designs, with the Samuel Beckett Bridge and the Dublin Convention Centre being two examples of how modern Ireland is pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation while still preserving its cultural identity. 

Leading the way in sustainable construction 

Looking into the future, Ireland is a world leader in the race to adopt sustainable construction practices and tackle daunting environmental challenges. The Irish Green Building Council was launched in 2011 to accelerate the transformation of the built environment, and showcases some of the country’s most impressive sustainable buildings. These include the Twitter European Headquarters and the Central Bank of Ireland, both of which have achieved the highest level of environmental certification thanks to features such as rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs and the use of sustainable or recycled materials. 

From ancient marvels to modern innovations, Ireland’s influence on the construction industry is a story of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to sustainable practices. As you celebrate St Patrick’s Day, take a minute to remember the impressive influence this country of just over 5 million people has had on construction practices across the world – happy St Patrick’s Day from us at ACS! 

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