Inchicore Public Library

Inchicore Public Library
53°20′25″N 6°18′35″W / 53.34033°N 6.30980°W / 53.34033; -6.30980
Established1937[1]
Closed2020 (operating from temporary premises in Richmond Barracks)[1]
ArchitectRobert Sorley Lawrie
Parent organizationDublin City Libraries

Inchicore Public Library is an art deco style public library in Inchicore, Dublin designed by Robert Sorley Lawrie working in the city architect's office under Horace O'Rourke.[2]

The library building is one of four similar libraries built by Dublin Corporation between 1935 and 1940 in the Dublin suburbs of Phibsborough, Ringsend, Drumcondra and Inchicore.[2][3] It is included in the Record of Protected Structures maintained by Dublin City Council.[4]

The building closed in 2020, initially for planned refurbishment works, with Inchicore's public library operating from temporary premises on the grounds of the former Richmond Barracks.[1] While unoccupied, a pipe in the building burst in December 2022, causing significant damage.[5] As of late 2025, the art deco building remained closed and the refurbishment works incomplete.[1] While Dublin City Council suggested that the building could reopen in early 2027, there were no specific decisions on "what it will be used for".[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Inchicore library: 'Empty, gorgeous art deco' building faces uncertain future". Irish Times. 20 August 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
  2. ^ a b "Inchicore Library, Emmet Road, Emmet Road, Dublin City". Buildings of Ireland. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  3. ^ "Brushing Up: The Art Deco Library on Emmet Road in Inchicore". Dublin Inquirer. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  4. ^ "Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 - Volume 4 - Record of Protected Structures" (PDF), dublincity.ie, p. 82, 8839 [..] 34 Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 [..] Inchicore Public Library
  5. ^ "Under the council's management, the building that recently housed Inchicore's library has been left vacant and been badly damaged". dublininquirer.com. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2026.