Market-house

The National Monuments Service's description

In Kanturk. Indicated on 1842 OS 6-inch map as part of small island complex at junction of three roads; area called 'Market Sq' on 1905 OS 6-inch map. Market house referred to in 1657 (O'Sullivan 1997, 6), replaced by two subsequent market houses on same site; second built in 1747 and illustrated (ibid., 8) as 2-storey gable-ended structure, 3-bay arcade on ground floor, four rectangular window opes on 1st floor, central floating pediment with oculus, details of cut stone. Also functioned as place of worship in mid-18th century, and as manorial courthouse and barracks (ibid., 9). Replaced in 1839 by present market house in Strand Street; 18th-century market house probably removed when area redeveloped after 1847 and present 3-storey 19th-century structure built on site. Strand Street market house known locally as 'clock-house'; narrow rectangular 2-storey structure of random-rubble construction with ashlar detail. Front elevation (S) of 5 bays, with central pedimented 3-bay breakfront; central wide segmental-arched door ope with sidelight incorporated into frame, 3 round-headed windows overhead. Large rectangular sash windows on ground and 1st floors on either side of breakfront; ground floor windows are pedimented. Small ornate rectangular niches over all 1st floor windows. Projecting cornice with low parapet. Cupola with clock in wooden louvres atop roof; clock made by Mangans of Cork bears date 1838. The shambles to rear was fitted out to accommodate nine of town's butchers (ibid., 6). In use as Credit Union.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009