Historic building on Galway’s oldest grounds approved for restoration works
Planning permission has been granted by the city council for remedial restorations to a residential space that dates to when Galway city was within stone walls.
The structure, located on Middle Street in the heart of the city, sits on an architectural conservation area and is a registered protected structure with the National Built Heritage Service. The focus of the renovations involves repairs to the chimney stack, facilitating a new roof, and replacing windows and doors throughout.
The standing building reflects its historic period with an exposed limestone façade, and a fragment of an upside-down coat of arms dated back to 1590.
The current three-story building, constructed in 1820, stands on a site that appears in historical maps as far back as 1583, when the first known map of Galway was drawn.
Approval was granted under 13 conditions, including the requirement to hire a Conservation Architect to safeguard the protected structure, and a stipulation that the property remain a ‘Principal Private Residence’ and never be used as a short-term let.
An Taisce submitted a statement expressing concerns about the potential for the site to appear derelict and the significant effort required to restore it as a residential family home.
By 1651, maps of Galway showed more detailed illustrations of the growing city, including street layouts and depictions of multi-story buildings with thatched roofs and courtyards. The approximate location of the site is identifiable on these maps. Then in 1855, a residential valuation map shows the site, already built at this time, assessed at mid-value range.
The building was likely refurbished in the early-mid20th century as fixtures reflect that time.
The ground floor of the building is presently a Podiatry clinic, and the focus of the renovations will be on the residence space on the top floors.