Bank of Ireland

Attached four-bay three-storey over basement bank, built c. 1910, with two-storey extension to rear. Hipped slate roof with red brick chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Cut limestone and sawtooth patterned red brick eaves course. Flemish bond brick walls above ground floor sill level, below which is ashlar limestone. Rendered to other elevations. Segmental-headed window openings with limestone sills, red brick voussoirs and moulded red brick surrounds. Continuous limestone sill courses to ground and first floor openings, that to first floor being carved and bearing inscribed lettering. All having uPVC windows. Segmental-headed opening to entrance with moulded red brick surround and carved limestone keystone, having square-headed door opening with cut limestone surround comprising decorative carved limestone scrolls supporting carved limestone lintel. Timber panelled door and overlight. Square-headed door opening to interior having carved timber surround and lintel, with timber panelled door. Cut limestone steps and cast-iron railings and bootscrape to site.

This imposing purpose-built bank building retains its original architectural arrangement and continues to serve its original purpose. Built in the early twentieth century, the massing and form of the building were intended to instill a sense of security and permanence in its clients. The structure exhibits some fine workmanship in its detailing, such as the carved limestone doorcase and the sill courses. The bank is part of a group of banks in Charleville which are a testament to the economic importance of this market town in the late 19th/early 20th century. In spite of some re-fenestration, the building retains its overall character and is an attractive feature in the Charleville streetscape.