bank/financial institution

Detached three-bay two-storey bank with dormer attic, built 1901-2, on an L-shaped plan with single-bay full-height gabled projecting end bay; single-bay single-storey flush end bay with single-bay single-storey pedimented projecting porch. Street fronted.

A bank designed (1901) by Godfrey William Ferguson (1855-1939) of Belfast (Irish Builder 23rd July 1910, 465) representing a rare example of Art Nouveau architecture in Ireland. The banking hall, entered via a curvilinear pedimented porch, still retains its original branding with a coloured glass ribbon inscribed: "NORTHERN BANK LIMITED": the tympanum of the pediment was similarly inscribed "THE/NORTHERN BANKING Co./LIMITED" as captured in a photograph by Eason and Son [NLI EAS_4038]. The bank is an interesting addition to the streetscape and, alongside the comparatively conventional Bank of Ireland (see 30816008), acts as an eye-catching focal point in Main Street.