1.38 Buildings on the higher levels of the hillside such as the detached villas at the top of St. Patrick’s Hill, or the terraces of Audley Place, have a tendency to orientate themselves towards the west or southwest taking advantage of the views over the Kiln river valley towards Shandon and the hillsides beyond. Even where the front elevations face eastwards, many houses, e.g., on the west side of Richmond Hill, make use of the falling ground to take advantage of these views. The west facing upper slopes of the hillside provide an important historical amenity area and open spaces such as Lady’s Well (containing a post medieval holy well) and Bell’s Field, from which there are panoramic views of the city.
Building Typology
1.41 Traditionally, the area’s buildings, whether domestic, commercial, or industrial, and dating from the early 18th to the early 20th centuries, are generally constructed of painted plastered rubble-stone or brick walls. Where they retain original finishes and features, they have roofs of natural stone slate, robust cast-metal rainwater gutters and downpipes and painted timber doors and windows, and many good examples of iron railings and gates. Where historic street furniture or paving survives, such as limestone steps or kerbing, iron handrails etc. it is important for the character of the area that these are retained.
1.39 The area is of archaeological significance
because it is partially situated within the Zone of Archaeological Potential (ZAP) for Cork City (CO074-122). A holy well (CO074-062), situated at Lady’s Well, is also listed on the Record of Monuments and Places. The area is of historical and architectural significance because of its street layout and for its stock of buildings from the 18th to 20th centuries which provide evidence of its evolving urban character over three centuries. 1.40 There are a number of buildings which are included on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and also identified on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) as being of regional significance. These include terraced Georgian buildings on Camden Place, the ashlar limestone quay walls at Camden Quay, terraced housing on Devonshire Street, housing on Saint Patrick’s Hill and Richmond Hill, the Ursuline Convent and St. Angela’s College.
Issues
1.42 The area has a wide range of house types and local facilities including shops, pubs, schools, and recreation spaces. However, the area is under increasing pressure from traffic and has a poor- quality public realm which detracts from its amenity for residents and businesses. It is important that this be improved to encourage greater use of the existing building stock in a way that makes best use of its potential. There are also some vacant and under-utilised plots in the area, with scope for development to support and reinforce the strong existing character of the area.
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Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022-2028
Volume 3 I Part 1
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