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History

The following history is a work in progress - please e-mail us with any correction / further info!

18th-19th Century
This beautiful Queen Anne house dates from around 1730 and is considered one of the finest historic buildings in the city. Built as a residence, it is believed to have originally been home to Richard Boyle, the 4th Earl of Cork. Later it was home to the Master Cooper Henry Maultby whose cooperage (where barrels for the city's ale and firkins for Munster's world-renowned butter would have been fashioned) was in the building adjoining. The family eventually moved to Australia and the house spent a brief period in the late nineteenth-century as The County and City of Cork Hospital for Women and Children. This hospital then moved to the South bank of the city into its current home, where it is now the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital.

20th Century
A sergeant in the Royal Irish Constabulary was the next owner of the house, and his family remained living in the building until the late 1970s/ early 80s, with students in 'digs' were also resident here during term time. When this period ended the building fell into disrepair in the 1980s and was purchased by Cork City Council. It spent a short time as home to Graffitti Theatre Company.

In the 1990s the newly-formed Cork Civic Trust came to the rescue of this very special building, leasing it from the council, securing funds and managaging its renovation in a manner sensitive to its heritage with the help of Jack Coughlan Architects.

21st Century
The first tenants after its splendid renovation were Cork 2005: European Capital of Culture who ran a city-wide programme of events during that exciting year. In 2006 Cork City Council made it available as residence to a range of professional arts organisations who have formed a partnership Arts @ Civic Trust House - the building provides office space, shared resources and the opportunity for sharing of valuable knowledge between the companies. It's a very positive atmosphere in which to work, the building is now buzzing with activity and the resident companies are honoured to be a part of the house's colourful history.