Kirwan’s Lane, Galway
The development transformed one of Galway's most derelict areas into a vibrant and unique quarter.
- A mixed-use development combining residential, retail, leisure and office elements:
- 6500 sq m public house
- 38 Apartments
- 1208 sq m offices
Key Facts
- The laneway is Galway’s most prominent medieval streetscape.
- Once derelict and abandoned, now at the heart of the city’s vibrant Latin Quarter.
- Restored in collaboration with the award-winning Douglas Wallace Architects.
- Consisted of 10,000 sq ft of retail units and restaurants.
- 8,000 sq ft of office space.
- 30 apartments also constructed at the centre of the development.
- Edward Holdings has retained in its investment portfolio the twin licensed premises of Busker Browne’s and the Slate House.
About
Kirwan's Lane is one of the most prominent and important remnants of Galway's medieval streetscape. It was an area that was home to two of the ancient Tribes of Galway the Kirwans and the Martins, and through its association with them has played a prominent role in the social history of the city.
Edward Holdings recognised the potential of Kirwan's Lane in the late 1980s and in the period that followed acquired the lands in and around the derelict thoroughfare. Within the confines of Galway's medieval heart and modern cultural centre an architecturally eclectic mix of offices, apartments, retail and leisure facilities was constructed, comprising some forty apartments and commercial units. The development also includes the 'Busker Browne's' and 'Slate House' public bars, which have become established as one of the city's most popular and remain in the portfolio of Edward Holdings Limited.
History
At the head of the Lane one can find the remnants of the 'Slate Nunnery', a building that was presented to the Dominican nuns in 1686 by John Kirwan. This association with the city' religious orders was to continue for nearly two centuries with the Presentation nuns taking up residence in the nunnery in 1815.
Close by the site of the nunnery was the theatre built toward the end of the eighteenth century by one of the city's most eccentric characters 'Humanity Dick' Martin. The one-hundred seat theatre that he had constructed for his wife's pleasure was to be a focal point in the artistic and cultural life of the city for several decades. One of the most famous people to 'tread its boards' was the Irish patriot Theobald Wolfe Tone, who was a resident of Galway for a number of years before giving up his position as tutor for the less-secure career of a revolutionary.
The nineteenth century saw the laneway fall victim to urban decay and many of its great limestone buildings fell into disrepair. It was not until the early 1990s that its fortunes changed. The present Managing Director of Edward Holdings saw the development potential of Kirwan's Lane, situated as it was in Galway's cultural quarter, and after acquiring the lands, construction sympathetic with its historic environs was begun.
The result was that the area was transformed completely from the epitome of urban squalor to one of Galway's most beautiful streetscapes. The reversal in fortunes for this ancient address was recognised with the presentation of several awards to the architects Douglas Wallace for their innovative design, incorporating the medieval facades and modern buildings. The residential aspect of the development allowed people to live in the heart of the city, while its commercial elements - the area is home to one of the city's most popular public houses, Busker Browne's and the Slate House, as well as several cafes, restaurants, and design stores - revitalised the area completely.