arc of the Curragheen River. Characterised by a rolling topography, the land flows naturally in a series of crests and troughs before falling gently to meet the walkway and the edge of the river. It also houses the site of the former 18th century limestone quarry which, although now hidden by overgrown vegetation, still maintains a prominent position at the centre of the course. 1.20 The area central to the ACA is that of the walled garden, buildings and courtyard as well as its immediate surroundings. This sub-area has a traditional demesne feel, with more formal spaces contained by walls, planned ponds, vegetation and contouring. The main approach to the park via the road maintains the same character as it did when the manor house was first built in the 18th century. Framed by trees, the view of the community centre is gradually revealed along the gently curving avenue. Water bodies such as the Curragheen River, the canal and the L-shaped pond add visual and aural interest. 1.21 The playing fields to the west are uniquely different in character with its open flat terrain bounded by elongated contours and orthogonal lines of trees. When approached from the east, the combination of trees with the designed soil mounds, frame the view and through visual contrast, further enhance the character of this sub-area.
as a retaining wall as well as the base of the original mansion house. The eastern elevation contains the limestone door surround of the original house and is the last remaining remnant of the original mansion house for which the park was created, with its prominent key stone and consoles supporting projecting cornice. It is a visual representation of the finely detailed masonry and craftsmanship associated with 18th century mansion houses. 1.23 The Shell House, which sits on an outcrop of rock over-looking the river and ornamental ponds, takes advantage of natural and artificial vistas. Having also felt the effects of vandalism and weathering, it retains many of its details such as the fireplace on its northern wall, glassy slag plinth, crenelated walls and beehive porch. The 18th century limekiln which is now hidden from view due to overgrowth of vegetation sits into the side of a hill and uses the topography to its advantage in order to minimise the amount of brickwork or masonry in its construction. 1.24 Although many boundaries on site are created naturally through the use of trees and shrubbery, there are a number of manmade features that create more formal spaces within the park. The 18th century Walled Garden is unique as its clearly defined boundary of cut limestone walls and footbridges, frames the view towards the river.
Issues
Building Typology
1.25 Currently, Bishopstown Park is an underutilised public amenity with immense recreational potential. It has suffered significant damage in recent year from vandalism and overgrowth of vegetation, especially with regard to the shell house, chapel and limekiln. Sections of the park such as the courtyard and its surrounding community buildings would benefit from an improvement in aesthetic quality to increase the amenity for local residents and recreational users. Improvement to the public realm such as the addition of benches and litter bins would do much to enhance the environmental quality and to improve the parks character.
1.22 There is a mixture of buildings on site, mostly centred on the courtyard. These include the chapel and the privy, both of which are 18th century structures built of random rubble sandstone with limestone details, with direct associations with the original mansion house. Despite the effects of vandalism and the invasion of vegetation, the chapel retains many of its architectural details including limestone sills and quoins, cut-stone walls and pediment containing green and red sandstone as well as some slate. The late 20th century farmhouse, now home to the Scout Hall and Community Centre, utilises the surviving cut limestone plinth-moulding which served
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Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022-2028
Volume 3 I Part 1
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