A Historic Cork Landmark: From 18th-Century Origins to a Modern Arts Hub
The following history is a work in progress – please contact us with any corrections/further information.
18th–19th Century: Early History of Civic Trust House
Civic Trust House is one of Cork’s oldest and most significant heritage buildings. This Queen Anne-style house dates from approximately 1700 to 1730 and is considered the oldest surviving residence in Cork. It is reputed to have been built for Richard Boyle, the 4th Earl of Cork, often called the “Apollo of the Arts,” though there’s little evidence he lived here.
In the mid-1800s, the house was home to Henry Maultby, a cooper and butter merchant. His cooperage—located in the adjoining building—produced barrels for Cork’s ale and firkins for Munster’s internationally renowned butter. The Maultby family later emigrated to Australia.
The house briefly served as the County and City of Cork Hospital for Women and Children in the late 19th century. This hospital later moved to the south side of the city and became what is now the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital.
20th Century: A Changing Cork Landmark
According to the 1901 Census, the house—then listed as 51 Pope’s Quay—was home to Maria J. Geaney, her sister, two lodgers (including French priest Louis Bertent), and their servant Bridget Desmond.
By the 1911 census , the property (then numbered 49 Pope’s Quay) belonged to Patrick Ryan, a sergeant in the Royal Irish Constabulary. He lived there with 10 other family members. Ryan later became Cork’s School Attendance Officer, a figure both respected and feared by local children.
The house was operated as a lodging home by Ryan’s daughters, who were known for their preference for schoolteacher tenants. Many Cork locals fondly recall visiting the “Misses Ryan” at Christmastime, admiring their fine clothes and the home’s elegant interiors.
By the 1980s, the house had fallen into disrepair. After the Ryan family moved out, it was taken over by Cork City Council and briefly used as the headquarters of the Graffiti Theatre Company.
The Restoration: 1990s
In the 1990s, the newly established Cork Civic Trust took on the task of rescuing this historic building. Leased from Cork City Council, the house underwent a sensitive restoration guided by Jack Coughlan Architects. Their work preserved the building’s original features while adapting it for contemporary use.
21st Century: A Living Cultural Hub
After its restoration, the first major tenants were Cork 2005: European Capital of Culture, who coordinated a citywide programme of events. Since 2006, Civic Trust House has served as a shared workspace for a collective of professional arts organisations known as Arts @ Civic Trust House.
Today, the house remains an integral part of Cork’s cultural landscape. It offers office space, shared resources, and a collaborative environment for the arts community, all within one of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings. This vibrant reuse of a historic space reflects the continuing evolution of Cork’s built and cultural environment.