NEWS


Zumtobel and Thorn transform Sacred Heart University, Dingle Campus


Perched on the rugged Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland, the Sacred Heart University Dingle campus occupies the restored 19th-century Christian Brothers School building, a protected structure and landmark


Overlooking the Atlantic, the coastal town of Dingle is celebrated for its dramatic seascapes and vibrant cultural heritage, making it an inspirational setting for the university’s study- abroad programmes.  opened the €12 million redevelopment, which repurposed the historic masonry and gabled roofs into modern teaching spaces, breakout areas, a library, and support facilities, while retaining the structure’s architectural integrity and local character.


STANDING UP TO THE MOST DEMANDING CONDITIONS


Given Dingle’s coastal location, Thorn’s outdoor   with power outlets to support future campus     to complete the exterior scheme.


SENSITIVE USE OF COLOUR TEMPERATURE


Internally, the lighting design balances warmth and  to foster a welcoming ambience while teaching  alertness and concentration.  states, “As the electrical contractor, our priority


was a scheme that was robust, serviceable and future-proof. Zumtobel and Thorn made the installation straightforward; today’s low-  


LOW ENERGY, LOW MAINTENANCE, MAXIMUM IMPACT


  These tailored environments support both relaxation and concentration and are a heritage- respecting solution praised by students, faculty and the wider community.





Thorn and Zumtobel Lighting, was invited by     understand its identity and atmosphere. It was important to me that students studying in Ireland felt a strong connection to their home campus. As part of the lighting design, I wanted to  feature luminaires, blending a sense of belonging with visual impact, while ensuring optimal lighting performance across all spaces.  and I aimed to accentuate those architectural details through careful illumination. Internally, that meant balancing modern, functional lighting with subtle heritage highlighting. For the exterior, I   the structure stand out after dark.   harmony of modern lighting technology with heritage architecture, particularly meaningful in a 


www.thornlighting.co.uk www.zumtobel.co.uk


www.irish-manufacturing.com January/February 2026 Irish Manufacturing 5


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