.jpg) Shandon Street circa 1910 | |
  Shown within Cork Central | |
| Native name | Sráid an tSeandúin (Irish) |
|---|---|
| Namesake | Shandon (Irishsean dún, "oldhillfort") |
| Length | 400 m (1,300 ft) |
| Location | ShandonCork,Ireland |
| Postal code | T23 |
| Coordinates | 51°54′12″N8°28′41″W / 51.9032°N 8.4781°W /51.9032; -8.4781 |
| north end | Gerald Griffin Street, Cathedral Road, Cathedral Street |
| Major junctions | Blarney Street, Dominick Street |
| south end | North Gate Bridge (byNorth Main Street), Farren's Quay, North Mall |
Shandon Street (Irish:Sráid an tSeandúin),[1] formerly known as Mallow Lane,[2][3][4] is a street in theShandon area ofCork City, Ireland and is aretail area on the North-Side of Cork city.
The name Shandon stems from the IrishSean Dún, meaning "Old Fort". It is believed that this refers to theringfort of theMacCarthaigh family, who occupied the area around 1000 A.D.[5]
The area was originally developed by theNormans, as a route to the north gate of the city, and rose in prominence due to its proximity toShandon Castle, the administrative centre of theprovince of Munster. The area was heavily damaged during the1690 Siege of Cork, but subsequent rebuilding saw the erection of the landmarkSt. Anne's Church.[2][3] TheNorth Cathedral was also erected at the top of Shandon Street in 1624. The present day structure, however, is the fifth church to occupy the site; churches have been rebuilt there numerous times, most recently following an 1820 fire.[3] Commercial activity at this time included a regular cattle market, where large numbers of animals were exported to theWest Indies,Eastern U.S.,Britain, andCanada.[3]
In response to a 1582 famine and outbreak of plague, Stephen Skiddy, aMasterVintner, willed funds to build a number ofalmshouses in the city. One such almshouse, built in the 18th century and referred to asSkiddy's Almshouse, is still standing adjacent to Shandon Street.[6]
The 18th century saw the development of the Butter Market in response to the penal laws, which indirectly encouraged commercial ventures among wealthyCatholic families.[2] This led to the foundation of the Committee of Butter Merchants, who, in 1770, instated the inspection of butter exports.[3][5] The increasing butter trade resulted in Shandon Street becoming an important international trading centre, and a focal point within the city. There was a notable diversity in standards of living in the area, with wealthy retailers living directly on the street, and manytenement halls on the numerous adjoining streets.[2]
The closure of the Butter Market in 1924 due to competition from continental Europe led to a period of decline in the area.[2] Modern attempts at reversing the decline include the 2004 Shandon Area Renewal Scheme, which saw some redevelopment of Shandon Street. This €15m scheme included the renewal of paving and the replacement of derelict buildings withinfill housing.[2][7]