15/06/2026
Sika Ireland is proud to have supported the latest refurbishment of the historic ÉIRE 7 sign at Hawk Cliff, Dalkey, helping to preserve an important landmark from Ireland's wartime history.
Originally constructed during World War II, the ÉIRE signs formed part of a network of navigational markers positioned along Ireland's coastline. Built between 1942 and 1943, the signs informed passing aircraft that they were flying over neutral Irish territory. Only a small number of the original signs remain today, making their conservation all the more important.
The Dalkey sign, located at Hawk Cliff, was first restored in 2019 by members of Dalkey Tidy Towns and a dedicated team of local volunteers using Sikagard®-670 W – a protective, anti-carbonation coating. The large stone sign, measuring approximately 30 metres wide and 12 metres high, was carefully excavated, restored and repainted to return it to its original appearance.
Following several years of exposure to the harsh coastal environment, along with increased visitor traffic, the sign required further maintenance to preserve its appearance. In June 2026, volunteers from Dalkey Tidy Towns once again came together to undertake refurbishment works, ensuring this unique landmark remains visible for future generations.
To help protect the restored landmark from the harsh coastal environment, Sika Ireland supplied Sikagard®-5500, a high-performance, water-based protective coating specifically designed to provide long-term durability and weather resistance. The coating offers excellent resistance to ageing, UV exposure and reduced algae and fungal growth, helping to maintain the bright appearance of the sign for years to come. With proven resistance to weathering and freeze-thaw cycles, Sikagard®-5500 was ideally suited to the exposed coastal conditions at Hawk Cliff, helping to preserve this important piece of Irish heritage for many more years.