New Life Old Buildings 2026

We are delighted to announce the return of New Life Old Buildings, our national programme exploring how caring for the buildings we already have can help shape more connected, sustainable and resilient places.

New Life Old Buildings brings people together to rethink vacant and underused buildings as spaces for connection, creativity and everyday life. Through shared learning and local action, the programme is helping to build a culture of care that values existing places as vital foundations for thriving, sustainable communities.

Over two days in Limerick this September and two webinars in October, we invite you to join us in a series of engagements and conversations to explore how existing buildings can become catalysts for connection, creativity and collective wellbeing. Through conversations, workshops, site visits and case study presentations, this year's programme explores how vacant and underused buildings can become shared places that foster belonging while building a culture of care for our built environment.

New Life Old Buildings is presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation and funded by the National Built Heritage Service. IAF is principally funded by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and additionally funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the National Built Heritage Service, the Office of Public Works and Dublin City Council.

Wednesday 9 September, 2–8pm, Limerick City

Building Care

"Care is everything that we do to maintain, continue, and repair our world so that we can live in it as well as possible." Joan Tronto

The series begins on 9 September with a full schedule of afternoon and evening events in Limerick city. You are welcome to join us for the whole programme or attend any activity that interests you. All events are free but must be booked in advance.

Book for events on 9 September.

1. Open table discussion | The Social Life of Buildings, 2pm

Open table discussion is an informal type of conversation that invites people to gather around a table over lunch to participate in a themed conversation. This event will explore how shared places help people connect, create and thrive.

Location: The Hunt Museum, The Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick, V94 EV8A

2. Site visits, 4pm

This is an opportunity to visit two buildings in different stages of renovation. The visits are led by the managers of the sites, who will provide a tour of the space and share their experiences.

Meeting point: The Hunt Museum, The Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick, V94 EV8A

3. Panel discussion | Caring for Place: THRIVE in Action, 6:30pm

Across Ireland, THRIVE (Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme) projects are demonstrating new approaches to caring for existing buildings and places. Representatives from some of these projects will share their experiences of collaboration, adaptive reuse and place-based regeneration, reflecting on the opportunities and challenges of creating lasting local impact.

Location: The Hunt Museum, The Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick, V94 EV8A

Wednesday 16 September, 2–8pm, Limerick City

Buildings are Places of Connection

“The soul loves the shelter of belonging.” John O'Donohue

You are welcome to join us for the whole programme or attend any activity that interests you. All events are free but must be booked in advance.

Book for events on 16 September.

1. Workshop | Future Spaces: Reimagining Vacant Buildings in Limerick City, 2pm

Collaborative workshop inviting participants to imagine new futures for vacant and underused buildings in Limerick City.

Location: The Hunt Museum, The Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick, V94 EV8A

2. Panel discussion | From Buildings to Belonging: Reuse, Regeneration and Community, 6:30pm

How can existing buildings become places of belonging? This panel explores how renovation, regeneration and adaptive reuse can create lasting social, cultural and community value. Through diverse projects and perspectives, the discussion will examine the partnerships, challenges and opportunities involved in bringing buildings back to life for the benefit of people and place.

Location: The Hunt Museum, The Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick, V94 EV8A

Thursday 23 October, online

Webinar | Sharing what we learned, 1pm

Join University of Limerick architecture graduates as they share findings and feedback from the in-person sessions in Limerick.

Register for the Sharing what we learned webinar.

Friday 24 October, online

Webinar | Info session, 1pm

A webinar for individuals and groups exploring the reuse of vacant buildings.

Register for the Info session webinar.

Photo: New Life Old Buildings 2025 walking tour. Photo by Deirdre Power.