The Crawford Observatory

Constructed in 1878, the Crawford Observatory remains the only observatory on any university campus in Ireland. This unique initiative was funded in part by local businessman William Horatio Crawford, a member of the local brewing family of Beamish and Crawford, and the Duke of Devonshire of Lismore Castle.
The Observatory was designed by Howard Grubb, who also designed the instruments inside the Observatory, including an Equatorially Mounted Telescope, a Siderosatic Telescope, a Transit Circle of novel construction and original clock arrangements.

All original instruments remain intact and the building itself is a Listed building, therefore required specialist knowledge from all aspects of the conservation team. The project aimed at reinstating UCC to its historic status as the only university in Ireland with a working observatory.

Information

Project Team
Client: University College Cork
Architect: Howley Hayes Architects
Quantity Surveyor: Bruce Shaw Partnership
Structural & Services Engineer: Buro Happold
Main Contractor: Cornerstone Construction

The Observatory is located in an open area of the UCC campus, central to a busy thoroughfare linking the main quadrangle with College Road. Cornerstone operated around numerous site and working time restrictions which were necessary due to the location of the site.

The Restoration of the Observatory included:
• Extensive stone repairs and repointing
• Damp proofing
• New copper roofing
• Structural repairs to the dome
• Operable shutter and removal/refitting of internal timber lining
• Conservation work to floor, walls and ceilings
• The refurbishment of existing windows and doors
• New electrical installations

Minister Mary Hanafin reopened the Crawford Observatory at an official opening on the 22nd June 2006 and congratulated all those involved “Generations of students will reap the benefits of your vision and dedication in proceeding with this project”