The Story and Conservation of the Firkin Crane

Join us at Dance Cork Firkin Crane for a special Heritage Week event exploring the rich history and ongoing preservation of one of Cork’s most iconic buildings, located in the heart of Shandon.

This conversation brings together Dr. Colin Rynne, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology at University College Cork and author of "At the Sign of the Cow: Cork Butter Exchange, 1770–1924", and Chris Southgate, Conservation Engineer and Director of Southgate Associates.
Together, they will reflect on the heritage significance of the Firkin Crane while discussing recent conservation works, including the roof repairs, and the vision guiding its future. They will explore the history of the Butter Market and Exchange, tracing the Firkin Crane’s story within the wider context of Cork’s industrial and social past. Discover how this unique circular structure once stood at the centre of the world’s largest butter trade and how it helped shape the Shandon area as a vibrant hub of commerce and community.
Insights into the development of the building’s Conservation Management Plan, funded by a Community Heritage Grant from the Heritage Council, will also highlight the challenges and opportunities of preserving a historic structure that now serves as a vital space for contemporary dance and communities, while growing toward an accessible, sustainable, and shared future.

This is a unique opportunity to hear from experts in archaeology and conservation engineering, and to explore the intersection of history, architecture, sustainability, and cultural renewal in a lively, informal setting within the Firkin Crane building.

The talk will take place on Tuesday 19 August at 11am at Dance Cork Firkin Crane, John Redmond St, Shandon, Cork City T23 Y584.

Admission is free, but booking is essential. Please contact the Dance Cork Firkin Crane team at info@firkincrane.ie or call 021 450 7487.

This project has been supported with funding from The Heritage Council.