Redgap Cottage, Monasterboice

Tis is a personal project I undertook when I purchased Redgap Cottage six years ago. It was in a derelict state, the roof was leaking, there was no central heating—just fireplaces in each room—and there were no toilets or wash areas. Last year, I decided to take the plunge and renovate the cottage myself. In doing so, I made a conscious effort to preserve as much of the original character as possible, particularly the stonework. Much of it had been covered up with lime render, concealing the stone both inside and outside the house. With a lot of hard work, I managed to restore it to what it looks like today. The cottage is over 200 years old and was one of 12 homes built in the area. Most of the families living here were farmers, and while some of the barns still stand, sadly, Redgap is the only house left. The name "Redgap" itself comes from a local legend about a battle so bloody that the area became known for the bloodshed, which gave the place its name.