Historic Homes

No. 4 Fenn's Quay

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The buildings 2-5 Fenn’s Quay comprise the majority of an 18th century terrace with remarkably intact interiors.  Cork Corporation included the buildings in their Historic Area Action Plan, which obtained European Union funding for their conservation. The Corporation played a significant role in the conservation process, in both policing the project and suggesting acceptable final users.

The terrace dates from approx 1750. A Quaker family appear to be the original developers of the site. The plan is unusual in that it is a series of parallel angled layouts in response to the dictates of the then river channel.

The external wall to the street was in danger of general collapse as the facing brick was parting from the wall proper due to the collapse of the 19th century beams beneath. Many windows were in very poor condition. Historical research based on the original title deeds and other deeds in the Registry of Deeds established the likely construction date. Other research traced the evolution of the terrace. The building was recorded by measurement and photographic survey. The major significant intervention in Fenn’s Quay was the replacement of failed timber beams with the concrete beam at first floor level, which stabilised the front wall. The rear wall was re-slated with natural slates on lime mortar bedding. The maintenance of the previous uses was greatly influenced by fire regulations.

The project was awarded the RIAI Silver Medal for Conservation in 2005.   

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