Survey Data
Reg No
20820102
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Social
Previous Name
Fermoy Wesleyan Church originally Fermoy Methodist Chapel
Original Use
Church/chapel
In Use As
Shop/retail outlet
Date
1810 - 1830
Coordinates
181610, 98413
Date Recorded
06/09/2006
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Formerly detached gable-fronted former Wesleyan church, built c. 1820, with octagonal-plan cupola surmounting front elevation. Carved limestone and sandstone pediment to gable front, with brick course under sloping sides. Projecting flat-roofed porch to front elevation, and recessed single-bay link to west adjoining building to west. Now in use as shop. Pitched slate roof with dressed limestone coping. Carved limestone cornice and parapet to porch. Snecked cut limestone walls with dressed limestone rusticated pilasters to corners of front elevation and of porch, dressed limestone plinth to gable-front, with carved limestone plaque to pediment with lettering 'WESLEYAN CHURCH'. Dressed limestone walls to cupola, with carved limestone cornice and round-headed louvered openings. Round-headed window openings to gable-front, triple over porch and paired to flanking bays, with dressed limestone block and start jambs, red brick voussoirs, cut limestone continuous sills and fixed timber windows. Oculus opening to gable-front with red brick surround and timber fittings. Square-headed opening to porch with timber panelled double-leaf doors, overlight, cut limestone step and dressed limestone surround. Square-headed opening to link with timber battened door. Site bounded by rendered walls with cut limestone copings surmounted by wrought-iron railings. Entrance to west with cast-iron piers and wrought-iron double-leaf gate and arch above.
Appraisal
This former Wesleyan church is an interesting reminder of the religious diversity that was once associated with Fermoy. The decorative scheme and design is classically inspired and incorporates well crafted features of this style including the pediment and pilasters. The round-headed openings add variety to the façade and their red brick voussoirs add diversity of colour, texture and materials. It forms a group with the former manse to the east and this, together with the plaque, adds context to the site.