Ballymahon Library Longford refurbished with extension images of the interior and the exterior
ref: 3039.pdf for image previews
Architect’s Comments:
Dating from around 1819, the original Market House consisted of an open arcaded market on the ground floor; above was a courtroom, judge’s chamber and jury room, accessed by a small elegantly detailed stairwell at the rear of the building.
The ground floor of the repaired historic structure of the former Market House houses the main library, with a local studies room on the first floor used as a community meeting room.
– RIAI Awards 2011, Commended,
The original building, by the architect Samuel Mullen, was designed to fulfil two specific roles, that of courthouse and market house. The market house was on the ground floor, and the courthouse, including the solicitor’s and judge’s rooms and courtroom, was on the first floor. The form and design reflect this double function with carriage arches to the ground floor essential for the market house, which is reflected above in the recessed panels forming a coherent and unified decorative scheme. The breakfront and classical features lend an air of authority to the structure, befitting its original purposes. The sculpted limestone plaque to the pediment, bearing the coat of arms of the Shuldham family, local landowners who erected the building, and the carved voussoirs and keystones added artistic interest to the façade and were clearly carved by skilled craftsmen. The market house reflects the growing economic prosperity of Ballymahon in the early nineteenth century.
