To build with stone and lime mortar you need:

1)LIME.  This brand (spare the irony) is made in Germany. We chose NHL 5 (natural hydraulic lime) because of our location a few miles from the Atlantic coast being wet and windswept, walls need strong stuff. Lime is more expensive than cement, but by its benefits it should pay for itself. We order two pallets from The Traditional Lime Company in Carlow.

2)SHARP SAND. This good quality sand comes from Glencolmcille & contains pieces of quartz. For this restoration we ordered 9 tonnes from Mc Monagle’s Stone, Mountcharles.

3)WATER. Not straightforward given there is no mains supply at our site. We collect a plentiful supply over May in barrels.

4)STONEMASON. One Rónán Crehan ready, willing and able, and with knowledge of working with lime.

5) VISION. You must be able to see beyond the problems of dilapidation and envisage the work as a serviceable, cosy home.