Spa Ho

In Mallow, c. 40m S of Lady's Well (14038) and built over Spa Well (14039). Indicated on 1842 OS 6-inch map, named 'Spa House' at end of 'Spa Walk', which ran parallel to canalised stream. Two-storey ornate L-shaped structure: steeply pitched gable-ended roof with two modern chimney stacks; 1-storey gabled porch with dormer in angle of L; gables infilled with half timbering, variety of windows used throughout including bay, oriel, and tripartite windows. Recently modernised with stone-work exposed and windows replaced- formerly had decorative barge boards, latticed windows and numerous individual chimney stacks (photograph, Myers 1984, 13). Stone-lined well accommodated within (14039). Mallow Spa became popular resort in 1720s (Smith 1750, vol. 1, 327). Spa House built in 1828; designed by George Pain in neo-Tudor style. Described by Lewis (1837, vol. 2, 339) as containing 'a small pump-room, an apartment for medical consultation, a reading-room and baths; the whole fitted up...for supplying...salt-water, vapour, and medicated baths'. According to Myers (ibid. 14) Spa well dedicated to St Patrick as holy well before its medicinal qualities were discovered, although Lewis (ibid.) refers to a dedication to St Peter. In 1857 Sir Denhem Jephson Norreys piped Spa water to specially-constructed watering place on W side of Spa walk, for general use; this survives as sunken rectangular area enclosed by ashlar limestone wall- steps lead down from street to paved area with sunken trough along W wall, filled with water from mouth of three stone lion heads- known locally as 'The Dogs Heads'. Three cast iron water pumps atop platform to rear. The Spa went into decline in 1840s; several attempts made to revive it in late-19th-century, with no success (Myers ibid., 16). 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