'From Hovels to Homes'

'From Hovels to Homes' How council housing transformed the town of Navan, 1902-1952.

In collaboration with Navan & District Historical Society, Dr Peter Connell will give a talk on the significant housing transformation in Navan during the first half of the twentieth century. Initially, many families in the town lived in overcrowded thatched cabins that lacked proper sanitation. However, successive Housing Acts (1890, 1908 and 1932) and local government reforms in 1898, empowered the Navan Urban District Council to build 425 council homes between 1902 and 1952.

In his lecture, Dr Connell will trace the development of Navan’s public housing estates from the early 20th century to the post-war period. He will examine the architectural styles, construction phases, and social context of each terrace, avenue, villa, and park.

O’Growney Terrace (first occupied 1902)
St Patrick’s Terrace (first phase occupied 1906; second phase 1914)
St Finian’s Terrace (completed and occupied 1911–12)
St Ultan’s Terrace (initial five houses, 1930; completion 1937–38)
Emmet Terrace (first houses 1931; completion 1933)
Connolly Avenue (developed under the 1932 Housing Act)
Mellows Terrace (completed end‑1934; occupied January 1935)
Parnell Park (initial phase pre‑1948; extended alongside McDermott Villas)
McDermott Villas (extension built 1948–49)
St Mary’s Park (60 houses contract awarded 1951; officially opened June 1952)

Seats are limited, so please arrive early. This event will take place in the partially covered outdoor area of the Railway Bar.

Funding - Community Grant Scheme.
Image Credit - Meath County Archive. St. Finnan's Terrace.