Cork Opera House

Cork Opera House has had a glorious history of both culture and architecture dating back to its inception in 1852 when it was first built onAnglesea Street to house the National Exhibition. As it was designed by the much celebrated architect Sir John Benson, the structure was deconstructed brick by brick to be rehoused on Emmet Place or as it was known then, Nelson Place. When first built this beautiful structure was known as the Athenaeum, after which it went through a number of name changes including the Munster Hall, The Great & Royal Opera House Company and, finally became known as Cork City’s beloved Cork Opera House in 1877. The building continued to entertain the masses until the devastation of a fire in December 1955, which saw the building and the people of Cork be brought to their knees through the pain of losing this much loved house.