Celebrating 20 years of building excellence, Martin Lernihan Construction Ltd has earned an enviable reputation for delivering high spec residential and commercial projects across Clare and beyond.
‘Building the future, restoring the past’, the Inagh, Co. Clare-based company is first and foremost a house builder which also specialises in extensions, refurbishments, pyrite rebuilding and groundworks. Martin Lernihan founded the business in 2005 and is now joined by 25 direct employees.
“The last 20 years have flown by,” he says.
“It’s a nice milestone to reach. It’s a good time for construction at the moment, but that wasn’t always the way. We came through a recession and then Covid a few years ago. Those were tough times, but we’ve not only survived, but thrived.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without our amazing team and customers. Our people are our greatest asset. A loyal workforce of craftsmen, coupled with long-standing relationships with architects and designers, enable us to produce homes of unparalleled quality and distinction. I have a fantastic right-hand man in Mario, who I subcontract to do everything from QS works and PM work to admin, along with Olena in the office.
Martin continues: “Before setting up this company, I worked on heavy-duty concrete structures in the UK, Holland, Belgium and Germany. It was mostly formwork and concrete work. That, combined with my background in carpentry, has stood me in good stead.”
Outstanding workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of this exceptional family business, with Health & Safety also being paramount. From concept to completion, the Lernihan team is with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new project is designed and built to your specific needs.
Martin Lernihan Construction’s one-stop shop approach ensures that both the design and building processes are smooth, comfortable and hassle-free. The Co. Clare contractor’s ability to complete projects on time and within the agreed budget is borne out by the high volume of repeat business and referrals it receives from scores of satisfied clients.
By employing highly-skilled people, working closely with design teams and using only the very best building products from local suppliers, this fully-qualified and insured contractor is able to deliver the highest quality construction to its clients.
The second-generation business’ workforce is supported and supplemented by the same tried and tested subcontractors.
Examples of Martin Lernihan Construction’s stellar work can be found all over the Banner County where it has completed many new house builds, renovations, extensions, insulation upgrades, groundworks such as piping, footpaths and septic tanks, and other outdoor works, including stone walls, paving and tarmac. It has also completed commercial and school projects, and is delighted to be affiliated and contracted by Clare County Council and The Banner Housing.
“Our business is 80% residential and 20% commercial,” Martin explains.
“We’ve seen a big increase in work relating to homes affected by pyrite around Clare. Sadly, there are hundreds of homes across the county with pyrite. We’re busy demolishing and rebuilding homes for clients who have been compensated under the Mica Redress Scheme. We’re happy to carry out this type of work as long as we’re going back to a blank canvas and building a house from scratch to modern standards.
“While it’s heartbreaking for home owners to see their properties demolished, they can take comfort from the fact that they are being replaced with a better-quality and more energy-efficient home than the one they built 20 years ago. They’re getting an A2-rated home, but they have to travel a long road to get to that stage.
“We’re also approved to undertake works pertaining to SEAI insulation grants and the Vacant Property Refurbishment grant. Furthermore, we have our own plant and machinery to carry out all types of groundworks.”
Asked what the secret to his company’s growth and success has been, the affable Clare man replies: “It’s repeat business, referrals and word of mouth that gets us the work. Our workmanship and quality projects speak for themselves. We believe in delivering a quality job and that’s what brings back the business at the end of the day.
“Whether it’s new builds, renovations or extensions, quality is always assured.”
As his business continues to go from strength to strength, Martin would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients, suppliers and design teams for their support as well as his staff and subcontractors for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Here’s to the next 20 years!
Martin Lernihan Construction Ltd
Fermoyle,
Inagh,
Co. Clare.
Telephone: 087 987 2000
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.lernihanconstruction.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, March 2026, Vol 12 No 3
featured, Martin Lernihan Construction
