‘All that now remains is ... a memory of what might have been’ - Vernon Mount House faces demolition

The remains of one of Ireland’s finest Georgian villas could face demolition after it was gutted in a suspected arson attack.

Heritage groups described the destruction of Cork’s Vernon Mount House — a unique architectural and artistic gem, a protected structure included in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, and on the World Monument Fund List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites — as a mindless act of vandalism.

“That this should happen at a time when prospects for the house had never been better, is particularly devastating,” leading local campaign group, Grange Frankfield Partnership (GFP), said.