The former House of Lords in what is now the Bank of Ireland, College Green, Dublin was discussed here some time ago (see Where Turkeys Voted for Christmas « The Irish Aesthete). As is well known, after the building ceased to be used as the Irish Houses of Parliament and had been purchased by the bank, Francis Johnston was invited to make alterations, including the creation of a central Cash Office behind Edward Lovett Pearce’s south front. This five bay, double-height space rises to a richly decorated coved ceiling, the centre of which supports a clerestory concluding in a coffered ceiling. When George IV visited the bank during his visit to Ireland, he was reportedly ‘astonished at the splendour’ of the hall.
The Irish Aesthete is generously supported by
Marvellous!
Rahoon House, Co Galway. Now sold into 4 divided apartments. Was the only property in Galway I knew with a Coffered Ceiling. Sadly it was left for many years by its owners, a property company, to run down with slates missing and dampness destroying much of its unique interior. City Heritage Officer – Dr. Jim Higgins has photos of the interior. An Taisce after many years trying could not save it as planners also failed.