From its early militant days, when Desmond Guinness and his late wife, the flamboyant Mariga, planned campaigns and demonstrations in Palladian Carton House, to the more prosaic present of planning appeals and tax debate, the aim of the Irish Georgian Society has been to save and popularize the built heritage of Ireland.

Initially the Society concerned itself with the politically incorrect (at that time) 18th century architectural legacy-hence the saving of the great houses of Castletown, Doneraile Court, Damer House and others-but, over the years, the Society's remit has extended to include Victorian and 20th century buildings of note. Education, particularly through publishing, has always been of prime importance to the Society.

From its beginning in 1958, Desmond Guinness, while organizing work parties to rescue buildings, also produced the Bulletin (now a resplendent enlarged Journal), publishing much original research into Ireland's architectural history. It remains the only such publication in Ireland, and is in demand from libraries all over the world. It is one of the Society's aims to produce a second publication each year on some aspect of conservation.

Progress brings change and, while adhering to its objectives, the Society has expanded the means of achieving its aims. In recent years, it has become involved in the planning process -fighting against demolition and damage of historic structures. In 1998 the Society tackled the burgeoning problem of where to find and promote craftspeople with the traditional skills necessary to restore historic buildings. This led to the publication of a highly successful Register of such people, and to an annual weekend exhibition of traditional building skills-an event which has attracted thousands of people each year. Enough success has attended both these ventures to give the Society a markedly raised profile and increased stature on the conservation stage.

Current Irish Georgian Society projects include fundraising for the magnificent Regency House at Ballyfin, Co. Laois. A substantial amount has been raised for the house, but more is needed and the Society is particularly concerned about the deteriorating glories to be found in the Ballyfin grounds. Architectural gems such as the moated neo-medieval castle with its observatory on top, the various grottoes, together with the park, belts of trees, and gatelodges are all in need of care and conservation. The Patrician Fathers have run a school at Ballyfin for many years and, had it not been for their presence, the estate would not be there today.

Another current project is the internationally renowned plasterwork of Irish stuccodore, Robert West, in No. 20 Lower Dominick Street in Dublin, which is being carefully cleaned down to its original surfaces. Following the ceiling of the front drawing room, the spectacular staircase hall is now being restored, with the help of state sponsored trainee plaster-workers. Donations from US members and organizations have helped very generously with this house, owned and cared for lovingly by the National Youth Federation, and the results are stunning.

The Irish Georgian Society has been instrumental in leading the campaign to save the 18th century Gazebo, in its dramatic setting at Dromoland, Co. Clare; it was on the point of collapse and has now been stabilized by means of intricate scaffolding. Some of the cut stone work has been reinstated after restoration, and in depth investigation of remaining problems can now take place. An area of increasing concern to the Society is the lack of care and conservation of the country's distinctive 18th and 19th century ironwork. From conservatories, balconies and railings, to boot-scrapers, hopperheads and window guards, there is a wealth of decorative iron work with much rusting, but basically sound, all over Ireland.

The very rare and charming Plant Cabinet at Castlebridge, Co. Wexford is one small gem needing urgent assistance. The Society's aim is to set up a training programme to ensure a supply of ironworkers, this leading to a self-financing project in time.The restoration of No. 2 Pery Square in Limerick has been assisted by the Irish Georgian Society. On the Society's advice, the original marbling of walls and staircase, discovered during restoration, has been restored and is now one of the more remarkable features of this late Georgian townhouse. An extremely generous grant was donated from a US donor who wishes to remain anonymous to a special challenge fund with The American Ireland Fund. This is a very welcome challenge and one that will stimulate all concerned to even greater efforts.

From the Society's early days of being a voice in the wilderness, to its position today as a leader in a much more conservation-minded ambience, the support of members and Chapters has been crucial to its survival and success. Lecture tours by the two Desmonds; Desmond Guinness and current President, Desmond FitzGerald Knight of Glin have garnered the Society many friends and very welcome support in the US. Times have changed in many ways; recent legislation has implemented recommendations for strengthening the protection of the architectural heritage, but the current economic boom has many adverse effects for conservation.

The Irish Georgian Society has to continue to be ever vigilant about the serious depredations that can still take place in the name of progress. The battle is by no means over, and the Society continues to need the on going support of its members and Chapters in the US, the UK and, of course, at home in Ireland if it is to remain an effective and vital body.

Irish Georgian Society website