Muinebheag Library building was originally a courthouse, built c. 1835. It was designed by Scottish-born architect Daniel Robertson, for Walter, Lord Bagenal. It is built in the style of a Greco-Roman temple, the front of the building features a portico with Ionic pillars. In 1992, the building was completely renovated and a single storey extension was added to the rear. The rear elevation is to the Main Street and houses the library entrance. Many original furnishings were retained and incorporated into the library interior. The former judge's bench was retained as a checkout for the adult lending section. The witness box and court clerk's accommodation is now a reference area. The high cross-beamed ceiling was also retained.
Library Details
| Local Authority Name |
Carlow County Council |
| Library |
Muinebheag |
| Date Opened |
2 April 1992 |
Locality & Services
| Type of Service |
Branch library |
| Type of Building |
Conversion and extension |
| Type of Building Converted |
Courthouse |
| Description of Locality |
Town centre |
| Urban Population |
2532 |
| Stand Alone Facility |
Yes |
Size & Costs
| Number of Floors |
1 |
| Size (m2) |
223 |
| Funding Sources |
Local Authority, DEHLG |
Features & Facilities
| Special Features |
Architectural features
Furnishings
Nature of site |
| Accessibility |
Induction loop |
| Internet Access |
4 terminals |
| Wi-Fi |
No |
| Printing |
No |
| Photocopying |
No |
| References |
- Leabharlann Muinebheag / Liam Fitzgerald, Tom King. Local Authority News, 7(5), pp35-39
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, DEHLG
- Census 2006 Table 12 Alphabetical list of Towns with their population, 2002 and 2006 (Population within legally defined boundary)
|
Architect & Design Team
| Architect Name |
Daniel Robertson (1835)
Carlow County Council County Engineer (1992) |
| County/City Librarian |
Carlow County Council; Carlow County Librarian (1992) |
Additional Information
| |
In Lewis' 'Topographical Dictionary of Ireland' Muinebheag Courthouse is described as a 'handsome building in the Grecian style in front of which is a portico with Doric Pillars'. |
For further information please contact Carlow County Council Library Authority