The old courthouse is believed to have been held upstairs in what is now the Arts Centre building in Lower Main Street which was owned by the Duke of Devonshire. In the early 1800s the Duke of Devonshire redesigned the town centre and a new courthouse and jail were developed as part of the overall plan.
The architect is thought to be James Pain (1779-1877) an English architect who settled in Ireland with his brother, George Richard who designed St Mary’s Parish Church in Dungarvan.
The building was in place by around 1825. It was also the location of the Town Commissioners offices before they moved to the Town Hall in St Augustine Street in the 1870s.
The courthouse is constructed of limestone, has a central block with a pediment and three round-headed windows. On either side are single story blocks with a doorway and blank panel overhead. In front of the building are the original iron railings.
Unfortunately, the building has suffered from modernization as the buildings of Ireland website notes:
‘over-zealous renovation works in the late 20th century have compromised much of the character of the site, with inappropriate replacement fittings…’
The original style of windows to the main façade should be reinstated, and the trees, which almost completely obscure the façade should be removed and railings painted. This fine listed building should be presented to a higher standard than it is at present.
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| Courthouse doorway |
