The Buildings
Religious Buildings
Unitarian Church
Contact Details
| Address | Princes Street, Cork |
| Telephone | |
| Opening Hours | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Craft Fair on Day. |
The Unitarian Church, completed by 1717, became known as the New Meeting House after the Unitarians moved from their original building in Watergate Lane in the medieval city. It was built on a site adjacent to George Street (now Oliver Plunkett Street) after this new street was laid out on the eastern river marsh about 1715. It is the oldest documented surviving building in the city, especially important because it is still used for its original purpose by the Unitarian Congregation.
It is a characteristic early 18th century auditory church, in what has been called the ‘theatre in the barn’ style commonly used by non-conformist or dissenter religious groups where the large congregation (which could number over 1000 people) required to be able to hear the preacher or clergyman and not just follow a ritual from a distance.
Therefore it is organized as a square with seating for the congregation at ground and gallery level on three sides facing the preacher or clergyman.
Interesting architectural features include the great gabled steeply pitched roof, the oval windows with limestone surrounds on the ground and first floors. The pews and the organ (one of the oldest church organs in Ireland) were removed from the church over 10 years ago.
The building is significant for its contribution to the streetscape and acts as a quiet contrast to the bustling city surrounding it.
On Cork Heritage Open Day the Unitarian Church will host Cork's Alternative Market! Art, Craft, Fashion, Body Care, Vintage Boutique, Jewellery & more...
Hosted in one of Cork's oldest buildings, in a friendly atmosphere, a Fair Alternative!