Firkin Crane, Cork
The Firkin Crane is a historical building. This protected building serves as a non-profit arts organization and is known as a theatre and dance center. It is also the permanent home of Cork City Ballet and Crux Dance Theatre.
The Firkin Crane building was designed by Sir John Benson and opened in August 1855. The building was originally intended for the Butter Exchange, and its name reflects its association with the weighing of firkin units of butter and the use of cranes as weighing scales. The building is located near the Church of St. Anne, Shandon, and is close to the Cork Butter Museum and the site of the original Cork City Butter Exchange.
The Firkin Crane has an interesting history that dates back to the possible site of a fort belonging to the MacCarthy Clan. The Shandon Butter Factory was also housed within the Firkin Crane, and the firkins were weighed up there. In 1924, a margarine factory replaced the market, which closed down in 1976.
One of the most notable events in the history of the Firkin Crane was a fire that destroyed the building on 6 July 1980. The building had been turned into an Arts Council approved space by Joan Denise Moriarty, a famous ballet dancer and teacher. Moriarty had planned to renovate the building with a campaign worth IR£400,000, but unfortunately, the fire occurred before any work could be done. The building was constructed mostly of wood and had been covered in grease over the years, which caused the fire to spread quickly. However, the building was rebuilt using funds from the European Economic Community Architectural Award for Ireland and reopened on 26 April 1992 by then Taoiseach Albert Reynolds.
The Firkin Crane Dance Development Agency began operating in 2000, and the building became known as the Firkin Crane Centre. It has since served as a hub for the arts community in Cork City, providing a venue for performances, workshops, and classes. The Firkin Crane continues to be an essential part of Cork's cultural landscape, providing a space for artistic expression and creativity to thrive.
The Firkin Crane building was designed by Sir John Benson and opened in August 1855. The building was originally intended for the Butter Exchange, and its name reflects its association with the weighing of firkin units of butter and the use of cranes as weighing scales. The building is located near the Church of St. Anne, Shandon, and is close to the Cork Butter Museum and the site of the original Cork City Butter Exchange.
The Firkin Crane has an interesting history that dates back to the possible site of a fort belonging to the MacCarthy Clan. The Shandon Butter Factory was also housed within the Firkin Crane, and the firkins were weighed up there. In 1924, a margarine factory replaced the market, which closed down in 1976.
One of the most notable events in the history of the Firkin Crane was a fire that destroyed the building on 6 July 1980. The building had been turned into an Arts Council approved space by Joan Denise Moriarty, a famous ballet dancer and teacher. Moriarty had planned to renovate the building with a campaign worth IR£400,000, but unfortunately, the fire occurred before any work could be done. The building was constructed mostly of wood and had been covered in grease over the years, which caused the fire to spread quickly. However, the building was rebuilt using funds from the European Economic Community Architectural Award for Ireland and reopened on 26 April 1992 by then Taoiseach Albert Reynolds.
The Firkin Crane Dance Development Agency began operating in 2000, and the building became known as the Firkin Crane Centre. It has since served as a hub for the arts community in Cork City, providing a venue for performances, workshops, and classes. The Firkin Crane continues to be an essential part of Cork's cultural landscape, providing a space for artistic expression and creativity to thrive.
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Firkin Crane on Map
Sight Name: Firkin Crane
Sight Location: Cork, Ireland (See walking tours in Cork)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Cork, Ireland (See walking tours in Cork)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Cork, Ireland
Create Your Own Walk in Cork
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cork is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cork Heritage Pub Trail
A truly fun way to explore Cork is by visiting the local heritage pubs, a cherished part of the city's cultural and social fabric. Situated in the heart of Cork, these establishments are not just places to grab a drink but living time capsules that take you back to a bygone era in a warm and welcoming setting. Let's take a look at some of Cork's notable “watering holes”.
Sin... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Sin... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Cork Introduction Walking Tour
One of the largest and most populous cities in Ireland, Cork was originally a monastic settlement, reputedly founded by Saint Finbarr in the 6th century AD. It grew more urbanized between 915 and 922 with the arrival of Norsemen (Vikings) who set up a trading port alongside the ecclesiastical settlement, providing otherwise unobtainable trade goods for the monastery, and perhaps also military aid.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles