The Squares

Church Square

This square was really only developed in the 1830's: the space for this new square was made up from land occupied by the back gardens at the bottom of Mill street, and an open area that existed in front of the old gaol.

Church Square is a triangular space, dominated by St. Patrick's (Church Of Ireland) Parish Church and the courthouse, both buildings of character and merit. The Church, built in 1836 has been described as 'a very pleasing plain regency-gothic church in the Episcopalian tradition of the period, with tall pointed windows, needle sharp pinnacles between them, and a very nicely proportioned needle spire; the clock added in 1902 to commemorate the coronation of Edward II'(Brett, 1970).

The Courthouse, built in 1829 on the grounds of the old gaol is 'a handsome modern building of hewn stone, containing spacious courtrooms and all requisite offices, and in every respect well suited to its purpose'(Brett, 1970).

Also present in Church Square is the Bank Of Ireland, previously Hibernian Bank. Built in 1875, the building is a very fine ornate stone two-storey bank on an extensive angular site.

Gallery

Church Square (1979)

Church Square is a triangular space, dominated by St. Patrick’s (Church Of Ireland) Parish Church and the courthouse, both buildings of character and merit. The Church, built in 1836 has been described as ‘a very pleasing plain regency-gothic church in the Episcopalian tradition of the period, with tall pointed windows, needle sharp pinnacles between them, and a very nicely proportioned needle spire; the clock added in 1902 to commemorate the coronation of Edward II. The Courthouse, built in 1829 is ‘a handsome modern building of hewn stone, containing spacious courtrooms and all requisite offices, and in every respect well suited to its purpose’.

Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum

Church Square (1979) - Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum

Church Sq 2003

This is a view of Church Square from the Courthouse steps. In it we can see the open space or 'square' in front of the Courthouse as well as the rounded corners of the Round House Bar and Flemmings Bookshop in the right of the image.

Church Sq 2003 -

Church Square2 2003

This is an image of Church Square, Monaghan, taken from the traffic lights at the junction with Dawson Street. In it we can see St. Patricks Church in the background and a rounded corner building in the right foreground.

Church Square2 2003 -

Bank Of Ireland (1979)

Digital reproduction of an original photograph. A large 2 storey stone building with original arched windows. Built in 1875, this building is an example of a rounded corner in Monaghan town. It also demonstrates the use of stone as a local building material. Originally built to house Hibernian Bank it now houses Bank Of Ireland.

Photograph kindly provided by Monaghan County Museum

Bank Of Ireland (1979) - Photograph kindly provided by Monaghan County Museum

Old Cross Square

Old Cross square, formerly known as 'the Shambles' is 'a rather shapeless open space on a slanting slope, traversed by the roadway, bored under by the turgid remains of the canal. This square is surrounded by a mixed bunch of 18th century modest houses, very variously treated, some obtrusively modernised. However as a group, they lend form and character to the square, notwithstanding the variety in their appearance' (Brett 1970).

The old market cross once stood in the Diamond of Monaghan until early 1870's. It was removed to make way for the Rossmore Memorial, however public outcry forced the authorities to re-erect the cross in Shambles Square to which it gave the present name of Old Cross Square. The Cross is, in fact, a sundial and is one of the town's unique monuments. (Cavan-Monaghan Rural Development Co-op 2000)

Market Square

From Church Square, Market Street climbs up a slight incline and opens into a broad sloping triangular place surrounding the Market house. The latter is splendid, one of the most delicate and elegant 18th century buildings in the North. The area has been described by Brett as a dignified space, which loses its character through too much car parking.

Gallery

Old Cross Monument

This is the 'Old Cross' or Sundial which is located in Old Cross Square, Monaghan Town. Originally it stood in the Diamond however it was then moved to make way for the Rossmore Memorial. The Old Cross is one of the oldest Monuments in the town of Monaghan

Old Cross Monument -

Old Cross Square (1979)

Digital reproduction of an original black and white photograph. Taken in 1979, this image shows a section of Old cross Square, Monaghan - a rather shapeless open space on a slanting slope, traversed by the roadway, bored under by the turgid remains of the canal. This square is surrounded by a mixed bunch of 18th century modest houses, very variously treated – some obtrusively modernised. However as a group, they lend form and character to the square, notwithstanding the variety in their appearance. St. Macartans Catherdral is visible within the background of this photograph.

Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum

Old Cross Square (1979) - Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum

Market House (1979)

Digital reproduction of an original black and white photograph. From Church Square, Market Street climbs up a slight incline and opens into a broad sloping triangular place surrounding the Market house. The latter is splendid, one of the most delicate and elegant 18th century buildings in the North. The area has been described by Brett as a dignified space, which loses its character through too much car parking.

Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum

Market House (1979) - Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum