The Firkin Crane building was opened in August 1855,
designed by Sir John Benson to meet the needs of the Butter
Exchange. "Firkin" is a Danish word meaning quarter barrel, which
represented 9 gallons or 80Ibs of butter. In former times the
tarred firkins or casks were weighed on a balance known as a
"Crane", hence the name.
After the Butter Market closed in 1924, James Daly & Sons
manufactured margarine in the building until the 1970’s, when
they transferred to new premises.
The deserted building was completely destroyed by fire on 6th
July 1980. Thanks to the efforts of a group of businessmen under
the Chairmanship of former Taoiseach Jack Lynch, it was restored as
a home for the Cork-based Irish National Ballet, until that became
defunct in 1992.
The Firkin Crane today remains a centre dedicated to dance, serving
Cork’s growing dance community.
(Click here for Firkin Crane
Website)
The Cork Butter Museum is a unique institution, celebrating
one of the great success stories of Ireland, the butter trade.
Located in the historic Shandon area of Cork city, the story begins
with the central role of dairy culture in the Island of Saints and
Scholars. The Museum goes on to describe the internationally
important Butter Exchange in nineteenth century Cork, the
traditional craft of home butter making and the modern success of
the Kerrygold brand. In the course of this story, the commercial,
social, and domestic life of Ireland is recalled.
(Click here for The Cork
Butter Museum Website)
St Annes Church is one of Ireland's most famous Christian
landmarks, and one of the most recognisable buildings in Cork City
- As pictured above. Since the 6th century there has been a
Christian witness in this place. Before St. Finbarre, the patron
saint of our city, established his College of Learning at Gillabbey
Street in the 7th century, where now stands the magnificent
Cathedral dedicated to his name, there has been a Church on this
site.
A medieval Church dedicated to St. Mary existed on this site and is
mentioned in the decretals of Pope Innocent 3rd in 1199 as "St.
Mary on the Mountain" and this stood until the Williamite wars when
the siege of Cork (1690) brought about its destruction. In 1693
this was replaced by a Church, also dedicated to St. Mary, and was
located at the bottom of Mallow Lane, modern day Shandon Street.
Due to population growth, it was decided to build anew on this
ancient site and so in 1722 the present Church of St. Anne Shandon
was constructed.
It is built with two types of stone, red sandstone from the
original Shandon castle which stood nearby and limestone taken from
the derelict Franciscan Abbey which stood on the North Mall. As you
approach Shandon, from all directions, you will see both coloured
stone of red/white and such is the affection that Shandon holds in
the hearts of the citizens of Cork that they designated both
colours to represent the City.
The Church's 8 bells, were made by Rudhalls of Gloucester. They
weigh over 6 tons and they first rang out over the city on December
7th 1752 for the marriage of Henry Harding and Catherine Dorman.
They were recasted in 1865 and in 1906 they were hung in a fixed
position so as to reduce vibration. It was said that when the bells
were rung in a swinging position the patients in the local
hospital, the North Infirmary Charitable Hospital shook in their
beds.
It is possible to ring these bells if you wish ! :)
(Click here for St
Annes Church Website)