Canals As Streets

Smith's map of Cork from 1750

A map of Cork dating from 1750, showing the two channels of the River Lee. It clearly shows that Cork city centre developed in between these two channels.

Courtesy Cork City Libraries

Smith's map of Cork from 1750
Courtesy Cork City Libraries

Smith's map of Cork from 1750

A map of Cork dating from 1750, showing the two channels of the River Lee. It clearly shows that Cork city centre developed in between these two channels.

Courtesy Cork City Libraries

Enlarge image

Some of the main streets of Cork city are built over waterways (canals) where ships were tied up centuries ago. For example, Saint Patrick's Street, Grand Parade, and the South Mall are built over the old waterways. This map of Cork from 1750 gives clues as to the close relationship between the River Lee and the streets of Cork city.

One of the waterways under Grand Parade was uncovered during work on the Cork Main Drainage Scheme in 2005 (see picture below). You can still see moorings dating from the 18th century on the footpath in Grand Parade.

Old waterway under Grand Parade

This photograph shows an old waterway which was exposed at Grand Parade during the excavations for Cork main drainage. This road was built over this waterway long ago.

Copyright Cork City Libraries

Old waterway under Grand Parade
Copyright Cork City Libraries

Old waterway under Grand Parade

This photograph shows an old waterway which was exposed at Grand Parade during the excavations for Cork main drainage. This road was built over this waterway long ago.

Copyright Cork City Libraries

Enlarge image

Do you know of any historic waterways in your locality? Perhaps some have been discovered during recent construction?

Cork in 1690

As highlighted above, Cork city developed around water throughout its history. This plan of Cork from 1545 shows the importance of water in the development of Cork and its streets.

Quiz
This interactive quiz will ask you questions on a map of Cork fom 1690. Hint: look at the 1545 plan and use the key on the right-hand side of the 1690 map for help. What do both of these plans together tell us about Cork and the role of water in its development.