Court and Market House — Buttevant

On W side of open grassed area at S end of Buttevant. Rectangular 2-storey structure (long axis N-S) of early 18th-century appearance. Indicated on 1842 OS 6-inch map as long rectangular structure named 'Market House' and on 1906 OS 6-inch map as 'Mkt. Ho.'. Front elevation (E) faces open area, rendered with chamfered stone quoins exposed and concave cornice; side elevations of random-rubble limestone construction. Front elevation 3-bay arcade with plain narrow inserted rectangular door ope at N end; arcading framed by plain ashlar limestone pillars supporting an elliptical arch. Later porch masks central bay of arcade, bays on either side infilled with small windows in blocking wall. String course divides ground and 1st floors. First floor is 4-bay with rectangular sash windows. North elevation has no openings, wall extends from E side of N elevation hiding view of rear from open area. South elevation has long low 2-storey gabled extension. Rear elevation partially overgrown with ivy, two wooden lintelled window opes on 1st floor have been recently blocked. Hipped slate roof, brick chimney rises from centre of N wall. According to Lewis (1837, vol. 1, 235), upper portion used as Court House. In use as community centre. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009