Restoring Heritage, Empowering Skills at Little Island CLaD Hub

At Nua Healthcare Services’ Little Island CLaD Hub in Cork, the completion of the Victorian Horse Carriage Restoration Project marks a significant achievement in heritage preservation, hands-on learning and personal development.

Over several months, a dedicated group of Individuals worked alongside Restoration Supervisor Barry Mullan to fully restore a beautiful early 20th-century Victorian carriage. Originally sourced from County Kerry, the carriage arrived worn and weathered but quickly became the centrepiece of an ambitious skills-based project designed to teach practical craftsmanship while celebrating Irish history.

Participants were deeply involved in every stage of the restoration. They dismantled the carriage, researched its historical features and rebuilt it piece by piece. Through this process, they developed valuable skills in woodworking, metalwork, upholstery, painting and traditional restoration techniques. The project also sparked curiosity and conversation, with Individuals exploring the history of horse-drawn travel and learning the origins of everyday terms associated with these carriages.

More importantly, the project created a space for confidence building, teamwork and personal growth. Each task, from sanding timber to fitting upholstery, encouraged problem solving, independence and pride in craftsmanship. What began as an old and forgotten structure has now been transformed into a stunning, fully restored Victorian carriage, brought back to its former elegance through patience, skill and dedication.

The restored carriage made its public debut at the Abbey Blooms North Pole Experience on Saturday 22 November 2025. It transported Santa Claus and his Elves to the Winter Wonderland and Grotto, offering visitors a chance to admire the intricate restoration work and learn about the Individuals who made it possible. This moment celebrated not just the carriage but the people behind it, their effort, creativity and commitment.

The Horse Carriage Restoration Project reflects the heart of our CLaD Hubs. It creates meaningful, skills-focused opportunities that empower Individuals, build confidence and strengthen community connection. The team at Little Island is incredibly proud of this achievement and looks forward to continuing to blend heritage, learning and personal progression through innovative projects like this.

Where the project began, with the carriage in need of extensive repair and care.

The fully restored Victorian carriage, returned to its former elegance.