Architectural Salvage Ireland

Salvage yards have always been fertile hunting grounds for builders, architects and restoration buffs. In the past decade they have become equally popular with homeowners in pursuit of unique interior finds and building supplies at knock-down prices.

“It all kicked off when television shows like Grand Designs started inspiring people to think outside the box. Now everyone wants to use reclaimed materials or upcycled fixtures to add a bit of character to their house, ” says Nigel Wilson of Wilsons Yard in Co Down. Wilsons was recently named Best Architectural Salvage Yard UK and Ireland in the 2016 Sustainable Building Awards.

With salvaged bounty so on-trend, these once grim and often treacherous yards of bricks and jumble have upped their retail game dramatically: merchandised warehouses, stylised garden spaces, kitchen showrooms and even restaurants make the whole experience less junkyard challenge than renovator’s rapture.

When it comes to Irish salvage, each yard has its own unique draw. But rest assured: every one of them is packed with vast stocks of reclaimed wood and masonry. Expect to unearth beautiful timber trusses, sleepers, beams and floorboards aplenty, in their original state or restored to perfection.

Not sure where to start? We’ve done the groundwork for you. Here’s our list of Ireland’s very best salvage yards:

Mac’s Salvage Warehouse, Dublin 8
Don’t venture over to Mac’s in Inchicore without your thermals (it’s chilly ) and a pocket full of cash – it’s impossible to leave without buying something.

The ever-expanding business was set up in the 1940s by Charles McGovern, who originally sold scrap metal and rags from his horse and cart. Since the 1980s it has been run by his grandsons, Ed and Greg McGarry.

Mac’s handles liquidation hauls from hotels, public buildings and estate homes. It has aisles full of doors from €30-€60, and windows in wood, PVC and composite finishes from €50-€100. There is every building supply needed for a full fit-out, from sanitary ware starting at €25 to mountains of hardwood flooring from €40-€60 per square yard.

On any given day you might find spiral staircases, retro bookshelves, confession boxes and antique toys. There’s always something to tempt in the bric-a-brac section.

If you’re on the hunt for something specific and can’t find it there and then, a quick word with the helpful owners may yield great rewards in a few months’ time. ; macswarehouse.ie