Cork County Council Secures €875,000 for Heritage Restoration Across Three Historic Towns

Three of Cork's most significant historic buildings are to benefit from a major conservation funding boost, with Mallow, Fermoy, and Kinsale sharing €875,000 under the 2026 Historic Towns Initiative.

Cork County Council has welcomed the announcement by The Heritage Council, alongside Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD, that three Cork town projects have been awarded funding under the Historic Towns Initiative (HTI) 2026.

Mallow Castle will receive €325,000 to restore the remaining external windows of Mallow Castle House, which are described as being at an advanced state of disrepair. The works will complete the external restoration and conservation of the building.

No. 26 McCurtain Street in Fermoy has been awarded €350,000 for the restoration of the building's external façade and roof, with the aim of restoring its historic character and enhancing the streetscape within the Fermoy Architectural Conservation Area.

Kinsale Market House, which houses Kinsale Museum, will receive €200,000 for vital conservation works to address serious structural cracks, broken brickwork, rotting windows, water-stained walls, and overgrown façades. This funding will supplement support already received through the Historic Structures Fund 2025.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, welcomed the announcement:

"These three buildings are part of the rich history of Mallow, Fermoy and Kinsale, and the works being undertaken are a wonderful example of heritage-led regeneration that improve towns and villages across the County. I look forward to seeing the completed projects in the future."

The funding covers 80% of total project costs, with Cork County Council providing the remaining 20% as match funding.