Restoration work begins on 18 Ormond Quay
Restoration work has started on one of the last “untouched” buildings on Dublin’s quays. Acording to Dublin Civic Trust, work at 18 Ormond Quay is the “most challenging and transformative” building project its embarked on since the Trust’s foundation in 1992.
It describes the building – a designated Protected Structure sited on the north Liffey quays – as “a handsome example of a Liffey-side merchant house embedded with layers of evolution dating from the 17th century to the 20th century”.
The building’s final occupants were Watts Brothers – hunting, shooting and fishing purveyors – who closed in 2000. Two interconnected buildings stand over four storeys while a rare arcaded Georgian shopfront composed from cut granite dates from around 1789.
The Trust says both buildings require extensive structural stabilisation and careful conservation, although the initial work will concentrate on the front building. The project aims to restore residential use to the upper floors and a traditional shop below. The Trust says it is relying on public and philanthropic support to see the project to completion.
