07/10/2026
🏛️ UCC Cooperage – Roof Repairs
The UCC Cooperage building is situated within the former Irish Distillers site at North Mall, Cork. Built circa 1900, it formed part of the original Wise’s Distillery. 🏭
Its distillery use ended when UCC and the Mercy Hospital purchased the entire distillery site in 2004. UCC subsequently converted the Cooperage building for use by the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences. 🎓🔬
The Cooperage consists of four traditional “A” frame roofs and three valleys, which had reached the end of their service life. While the primary old-pine trusses were found to be in sound condition, a quantity of secondary timbers and the external slated roof covering were beyond repair. 🪵🏠
The condition of the existing slating was poor and was replaced with natural slates, while the valley gutters were renewed and the original iron rainwater goods were carefully restored. 🔨🧱
A particularly interesting feature uncovered during the restoration was the presence of a horsehair layer between the roof battens and the tongue-and-groove (T&G) boarding. 🐴 The material required testing due to the potential historic association with anthrax spores. Fortunately, testing confirmed that the material was negative for anthrax, allowing the conservation works to proceed safely. 🧪✅
The project successfully retained the character and historic fabric of this important former distillery building while renewing the roof structure and coverings for its continued use by UCC. 🏛️🔧
- Peter.
