CAAD professor’s book on Dublin Castle wins award

A book co-authored by Dr. John Montague, Associate Professor at the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS), has won first prize in the History and Heritage category of the prestigious Listowel Writer’s Week awards in County Kerry, Ireland.

Titled Dublin Castle: From Fortress to Palace. Volume 1, Vikings to Victorians: A History of Dublin Castle to 1850, the award-winning book is a collaborative effort by Dr. Montague, Seán Duffy, Kevin Mulligan and Michael O’Neill. It is part of a larger archaeological project that emerged from excavations in the 1980s at the 12th-century Dublin Castle. The book comprehensively chronicles the history of Dublin Castle, a central site of British rule in Ireland from the 1170s to the 1920s.

Dr. Montague's contribution to the book covers the Renaissance period of the castle's history, detailing the construction of an elegant arcaded gallery and other timber buildings that were tragically destroyed by a fire in 1684. Through contemporary documentation and rare surviving manuscript plans, Dr. Montague was able to reconstruct the form and organization of these structures.

“This recognition is a testament to the rigorous research and dedication that went into uncovering the rich history of Dublin Castle. It’s an honor to contribute to the understanding of such a significant historical site and to be acknowledged alongside my esteemed colleagues,” said Dr. Montague.

Dr. Montague’s extensive background in medieval and early modern Irish and European architectural history, as well as early modern urban planning, has significantly shaped his academic and professional pursuits. Previously co-authored works include John Rocque’s Dublin: A Guide to the Georgian City", published by the Royal Irish Academy, and Art and Architecture of Ireland, Vol. IV: Architecture, 1600–2000, published by Yale University Press. 

Dr. Montague is currently working on his first single-authored book, focusing on the maps and architectural drawings of the 18th-century Dublin planning body known as the Wide Streets Commissioners. This book is set to be published by University College Dublin Press later this year. Additionally, he is preparing a comprehensive study on John Rocque’s 1746 London map, slated for publication by the London Topographical Society in 2026.

CAAD faculty are renowned for their scholarly contributions and research excellence, consistently advancing knowledge in architecture, art and design. Their dedication to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration fosters a vibrant academic environment that prepares students to become leaders in their fields. To learn more about the college, visit www.aus.edu/CAAD.