Site of former 54 Irish Street, Downpatrick, Co Down, BT30 6BP

Site of former 54 Irish Street, Downpatrick

This site on the sloping east side of Irish Street was formerly occupied by a two storey terrace house and shop, possibly dating from the late 18th century, which was demolished around 1991 and replaced with new dwelling(s).

At the time of a survey in March 1976, the building was described as follows: two storey house and shop with a slated roof and concrete brick chimney. The wall was rendered and lined. The front facade featured two first floor drop-hung windows with Georgian panes. The ground floor contained a combined door and shop window below a recessed signboard. The door was sheeted with a plain fanlight, and the window had twelve Georgian panes. Three steps led up to the door. The building was noted to be in poor condition at that time.

The front facade of the property suggested a late 18th century date of construction. The shop front appears to have been a later insertion, possibly dating from the mid to late 19th century. Valuation records from 1838 indicate that the building was occupied at that stage by John Fitzpatrick.

The site is shown as occupied on town plans dating from 1708 onwards, confirming its long-established presence in Downpatrick's townscape. The building was demolished circa 1991.