Plaque unveiled to mark 100 years of Cork's Winthrop Arcade

Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy, has unveiled a commemorative plaque to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Winthrop Arcade in the heart of Cork city.

Celebrated at the time of its opening in 1926 as the first purpose-built retail arcade in the Irish Free State, it is one of the city’s most distinctive retail landmarks.

It was designed by Cork architects Levie and Chillingworth, who were also responsible for the design of the Beamish and Crawford brewery.

It retains most of its original architectural features, including the glass dome, mahogany shop fronts, and bronze display windows.

Mr Dennehy said that for a century the arcade has been an example of local business right in the heart of the city centre.

“No doubt there are lots of people who have fond memories of visiting this arcade in the past and Cork City Council is confident that this will continue to be the case for the next century,” he said.