Vital refurbishment completed at the iconic 170-year-old Firkin Crane

A vital and long-overdue refurbishment has secured the future of one of Cork City’s most distinctive historic landmarks, the Firkin Crane.

Roof works have been completed on the 170-year-old Firkin Crane, the protected Shandon building that serves as Ireland’s first dedicated dance house. The project safeguards the long-term stability and weatherproofing of the structure, ensuring it can continue to operate as a national resource for dance. In 2022, the organisation rebranded as Dance Cork Firkin Crane.

Supported primarily by Cork City Council and Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the €200,000 investment protects both an architectural treasure and a vital cultural space at the heart of the city. The repairs were also supported by a Community Heritage Grant from The Heritage Council, which funded a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CMP) to create a roadmap for future-proofing the building, and the Machamer Charitable Fund of the Ireland Funds America.

Located in the historic Shandon district beneath the bells of St Anne’s Church, the Firkin Crane was built in 1855 as a butter weighing house at the heart of Cork’s global export trade. Today, we are Ireland’s first dedicated dance house – a 235-seat performance venue of international calibre and a year-round creative hub. We provide four professional studios, residencies, artists’ accommodation, technical support and an extensive performance programme supporting dance artists from across Ireland and beyond.

The completion of the roof work marks a pivotal moment for us. We have recently been reinstated to Arts Council Strategic Funding supporting key arts organisations, and we are developing a new five-year strategy outlining plans for artistic growth, expanded national and international partnerships, and enhanced supports for artists at every stage of their careers. This strategy is due to be unveiled in the coming months.

Commenting, Executive Artistic Director Laurie Uprichard said: “Completing the roof works is a major achievement and a vital step in securing this building for future generations. But it is also symbolic. The Firkin Crane is entering a new rhythm – confident, ambitious and artist-focused. As a national resource for dance and a performance venue of international standard, we are committed to strengthening our support for artists and audiences alike.”

Our Steps Director and renowned dance artist Jean Butler also praised the venture. “Dance Cork Firkin Crane is a very special place to work and I look forward to returning again soon,” she said. “The iconic building holds so much of Ireland’s dance history, and investing in the building is investing in the future of dance in Ireland.”

While the refurbishment was made possible primarily through public funding, we continue to service a remaining loan and face ongoing conservation costs associated with maintaining a protected heritage building. We are now inviting the public to support our next chapter through the relaunch of our Friends membership scheme, with annual support levels beginning at €50.

We are also seeking engagement with sponsors and benefactors aligned with our artistic vision.

“Public investment made this essential phase possible,” said Laurie Uprichard. “Now we are inviting shared investment from those who believe in dance, in heritage and in Cork’s cultural future. The Firkin Crane has always been sustained through collective effort. Together, we can ensure it continues to inspire artists and audiences for decades to come.”

Friends can access benefits including ticket offers, a complimentary glass of wine and opportunities to engage more closely with our artistic programme. A dedicated Artist Friend tier also offers reduced studio hire rates for professional dance artists.

With our roof secured and a renewed call for community backing, we are positioning ourselves to protect and grow one of Ireland’s most important dance institutions for decades to come.