Oxmantown Mall and St. John's Mall

Oxmantown Mall

Oxmantown Mall, Birr

The 2nd Earl of Ross had a keen interest in Architecture and re-designed the layout of the town in accordance with the principles of classical architecture. Oxmantown Mall was developed from 1810. Following the construction of a new gate house to the castle a new road was opened from the gate house to Cumberland Street. A walkway enclosed by a 3 ft wall was used by the towns gentry as a promenade. These houses were built between 1810 and 1830. They housed the professional classes of the town

Oxmantown Mall, Birr

Oxmantown Mall, Birr

The 2nd Earl of Ross had a keen interest in Architecture and re-designed the layout of the town in accordance with the principles of classical architecture. Oxmantown Mall was developed from 1810. Following the construction of a new gate house to the castle a new road was opened from the gate house to Cumberland Street. A walkway enclosed by a 3 ft wall was used by the towns gentry as a promenade. These houses were built between 1810 and 1830. They housed the professional classes of the town

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The 2nd Earl of Rosse had a keen interest in architecture and redesigned the layout of the town in accordance with the principles of classical architecture. Oxmantown Mall was developed from 1810. Following the construction of a new gate house to the castle, a new road was opened from the gate house to Cumberland Street. A walkway enclosed by a 3ft wall was used by the town's gentry as a promenade. These houses were built between 1810 and 1830 and they housed the professional classes of the town.

Oxmantown Theatre

Oxmantown Hall Birr

This is a view of oxmantown Hall also known as Oxmantown Theatre at Birr County Offaly. This beautifull victorian building was erected in 1888 as a purpose built concert hall and theatre. It was designed by Cassandra wife of the fourth Earl of Ross

Oxmantown Hall Birr

Oxmantown Hall Birr

This is a view of oxmantown Hall also known as Oxmantown Theatre at Birr County Offaly. This beautifull victorian building was erected in 1888 as a purpose built concert hall and theatre. It was designed by Cassandra wife of the fourth Earl of Ross

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Oxmantown Theatre, also known as Oxmantown Hall, has been a cultural landmark in Birr for over a century. Built in 1888 it was designed by Cassandra, Countess of Rosse, and funded by the fourth Earl of Rosse. The design of the hall was based on styles of architecture that the Countess had noted whilst visiting Germany and the construction was completed by Sweeney's Constructors of Crinkle. The hall was opened for the first time in 1889 for the first annual Birr Horticultural Show.

St. John's Mall

In 1817 Sir Lawrence Parsons set about extending the town to the east. Initially four terraced houses were built to the west of John's Hall. These were two storey over basement houses with a grass front enclosed within iron railings.

Further developments took place in the 1860's with the building of Regency houses towards Crompton's Row. It has been described as a crescent shaped green surrounded by Georgian residences.

An unusual building to be seen here is Saint John's Hall. This building was erected in memory of John Clere Parsons, son of the 2nd Earl of Rosse, who died in 1828. It was built as a miniature Greek ionic temple and provide a focal point along the axis of two flanking rows of terraced houses.

Georgian Doorways in Birr

Georgian Doorways at Birr

Colour photograph of six Georgian doorways at Birr at Newbridge Street, Oxmantown Mall, and St John's Mall Birr

Georgian Doorways at Birr

Georgian Doorways at Birr

Colour photograph of six Georgian doorways at Birr at Newbridge Street, Oxmantown Mall, and St John's Mall Birr

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These are some fine examples of Georgian Doorways to be found at Oxmantown Mall, Military Road and Newbridge Street. The fanlight at each side of the door and arching the doorway is intended to allow light into the hallway.