Artist Cora Murphy on the highs and lows of converting a Victorian townhouse in Cork city

Battling through money woes, unexpected asbestos and the grief of losing her beloved mother, Cora Murphy kept a diary just for us as she navigated the highs and lows of converting a Victorian townhouse into her home and studio in Douglas Street

Cora Murphy, Dougie and assistant Celeste Burdon, outside her home on 42 Douglas Street

7th Feb 2022

I’m in The Barn with my sister Aoife celebrating her 50th. Bar two other tables, we are the only patrons, there’s still a bang of Covid about and despite our attempts at levity it feels, well... barn-like!