MAY HAVE BEEN OWNED BY GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
Assembly Rooms: Located at the junction of Dublin Street and Cox's Lane, the Assembly Rooms stand as one of the earliest surviving public buildings in Carlow. Constructed circa 1794, it showcases a neo-classical design with a prominent pediment and cornice. Originally intended for social gatherings of the local gentry, the Assembly Rooms later evolved into a multipurpose venue, hosting lectures, concerts, and political rallies.
In Carlow there is a story that George Bernard Shaw spent only one day in the town. He went there in 1918 to view his estate, which he inherited in 1899 from his uncle Walter Gurly. It was including the Assembly Rooms buildings on Dublin Street, which the Gurly family had had since 1805.
The Assembly Hall, Carlow
Located at the junction of Dublin Street and Cox's Lane, the Assembly Hall stands as a testament to Carlow's rich history and architectural heritage. Constructed around 1794, this neo-classical building with its distinctive pediment and cornice, was once the social epicentre for the county's nobility and gentry, hosting grand balls, dinners, and musical performances.
The Assembly Hall has a unique connection to renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw. It was part of the estate he inherited in 1899 from his uncle, Walter Gurly, whose family had owned the building since 1805. Shaw's uncle humorously remarked on the building's deteriorated state in the late 19th century, quipping that it was ideal for astronomy due to the holes in the roof.
Despite its condition, the Assembly Hall continued to serve the community throughout the 19th century, hosting lectures and concerts. In 1912, it was transformed into the Picture House cinema by the Silvester Brothers, proving popular with locals eager to see themselves on film.
Today, the Assembly Hall remains a landmark on Dublin Street, its storied past echoing through its walls. From elegant gatherings of the elite to the shared laughter of cinema-goers, this building has witnessed and shaped Carlow's social and cultural life for over two centuries.
I was unable to establish if the building is currently occupied. It's possible that the building is currently undergoing renovations, awaiting a new tenant, or being used for a purpose not readily apparent.
In Carlow there is a story that George Bernard Shaw spent only one day in the town. He went there in 1918 to view his estate, which he inherited in 1899 from his uncle Walter Gurly. It was including the Assembly Rooms buildings on Dublin Street, which the Gurly family had had since 1805.
The Assembly Hall, Carlow
Located at the junction of Dublin Street and Cox's Lane, the Assembly Hall stands as a testament to Carlow's rich history and architectural heritage. Constructed around 1794, this neo-classical building with its distinctive pediment and cornice, was once the social epicentre for the county's nobility and gentry, hosting grand balls, dinners, and musical performances.
The Assembly Hall has a unique connection to renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw. It was part of the estate he inherited in 1899 from his uncle, Walter Gurly, whose family had owned the building since 1805. Shaw's uncle humorously remarked on the building's deteriorated state in the late 19th century, quipping that it was ideal for astronomy due to the holes in the roof.
Despite its condition, the Assembly Hall continued to serve the community throughout the 19th century, hosting lectures and concerts. In 1912, it was transformed into the Picture House cinema by the Silvester Brothers, proving popular with locals eager to see themselves on film.
Today, the Assembly Hall remains a landmark on Dublin Street, its storied past echoing through its walls. From elegant gatherings of the elite to the shared laughter of cinema-goers, this building has witnessed and shaped Carlow's social and cultural life for over two centuries.
I was unable to establish if the building is currently occupied. It's possible that the building is currently undergoing renovations, awaiting a new tenant, or being used for a purpose not readily apparent.
MAY HAVE BEEN OWNED BY GEORGE BERNARD SHAW