Carrick On Suir, Waterford and Clonmel

Carrick Castle

Bianconi located his small shop opposite Carrick Castle.

© Waterford City Library.

Carrick Castle
© Waterford City Library.

Carrick Castle

Bianconi located his small shop opposite Carrick Castle.

© Waterford City Library.

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Bianconi decided to settle in Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary after two years of travelling. His shop was located in a small lane opposite Carrick Castle. He used to travel to Waterford in Tom Morrissey's boat to get supplies and materials. This was the only means of public transport, available to him.

Business was poor in Carrick-On-Suir and he decided to move to Waterford City. He was now aged 21. He worked very hard and the business was very successful. He carved and gilded picture frames. He made many influential friends, one of whom was Edmund Ignatius Rice, the future founder of the Christian Brothers. He also made money by buying gold coins from ordinary people and selling them on for a profit to the government, who needed gold to finance the war against Bonaparte.

In 1809 Charles decided to move to Clonmel and rented a house opposite the Main Guard, which he called 'the corner shop. One day he was introduced to Daniel O' Connell and from that date Bianconi was his great ally.

His business thrived in Clonmel. He soon employed some assistants, while he travelled the country looking for business. One of the assistants was Edward Hayes, who was also a well known artist. In later years, his son Michael Angelo Hayes became famous for his drawings of Bianconi's cars. He had many friends in Tipperary, including the Baldwin's of Cahir and their niece Julia Bourke. Bianconi was very religious and had great concern for the welfare of the ordinary people of Ireland.