Blue Bangor Slates Ireland, Blue Bangors, Blue Bangors Ireland,

Blue Bangor Slates History

Blue Bangor slates have been coming into Ireland for centuries.  The earliest record of Blue Bangors being transported into Ireland goes back to the 15th century, although it was not until the latter half of the 19th century when this slate really started to make its mark on Irish architecture.

Due to its geographical proximity to North Wales, Ireland has always been a natural market for Blue Bangor slates and there is a great affinity between Ireland and these famous slates.  Indeed, on a clear day from the top of the Penrhyn quarry, you can see the outline of the Wicklow mountains.

These slates were commonly used to replace thatch roofs on vernacular Irish buildings and were also used to roof some of the county’s early landmark buildings. Indeed, in almost every town in Ireland, many examples of Blue Bangor roofs from the 1800s still exist perfectly intact despite being subject to hundreds of years of the harsh Irish climate.

It was very common in old buildings in Ireland to be roofed with large format slates Blue Bangor slates and random sized slates.  Today, the quarry can still replicate thee sizes of old although the standard size still tends to be 500x300mm or a 20X12” slate.

With this history, it is fitting that the quarry is now in Irish ownership.  In December 2007, the Penrhyn quarry (home of Bangor Blue quarry) and a number of other slate quarries in the North Wales area were acquired by Belfast based businessman Kevin Lagan.  Mr Lagan has invested in these slate quarries so as to continue the historical legacy of this slate and to ensure its continuity for generations to come.

Get in touch with our Specialist Slate Team and we will be happy to answer any questions regarding your project.

Tel: 01 820 1551 Today and let the LBS Team get your project moving!