Blaze destroys one of Limerick's most historic buildings

Built in 1858, Sailor’s Home on Limerick's O’Curry St was later used as a military barracks and a constabulary barracks, and then a Garda station.

Limerick Fire Brigade. File Picture: Picture Brendan Gleeson

Gardaí are investigating the cause of a fire at one of Limerick's most historic buildings.

The blaze, which broke out around 1am on Saturday morning, destroyed Sailor’s Home, O’Curry St.

Historian and lecturer Mary Immaculate College, Paul O’Brien, posted a video of the blaze, stating: “The Sailors’ Home, O’Curry Street, #Limerick on fire. Shocking. 1850s built and social history up in flames. I’m devastated. Video by Randel Hodkinson. Residents [in] shock.” 

The Sailors’ Home, O’Curry Street, #Limerick on fire. Shocking. 1850s built and social history up in flames. I’m devastated. Video by Randel Hodkinson. Residents on shock. @Limerick_Leader @rtenews pic.twitter.com/i6rKWutSET

— Dr Paul O'Brien (@FearStairLmk) July 1, 2023

A statement released by the Shannon Foynes Port Company, which owns the property, said the building was “extensively damaged” in the fire.

“Shannon Foynes Port deeply regrets the fire damage caused to the Sailors' Home on O’Curry St, Limerick,” the statement read. 

"This is a building with rich architectural heritage and part of the DNA of maritime activity in Limerick, dating back hundreds of years.

Our priority now is to make the building safe. 

"Once that is achieved, we will assess the extent of the damage. We wish thank the fire services and An Garda Síochána for their response to the fire and their work through the night in getting the blaze under control and making the location safe.”

The detached five-bay two-storey stucco-enriched sailor's house, built in 1858, was later used as a military barracks and a constabulary barracks, and then a Garda station.

Fine Gael councillor and former mayor of Limerick Daniel Butler tweeted: “Heartbreaking! A wonderful building with a rich history. It has hosted some wonderful exhibitions in recent times & inspired the @Sailors_Home whiskey. A devastating loss to our beautiful built heritage.”

Firefighters attached to Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service, Cappamore Fire Service, and Rathkeale Fire Service attended the scene.

A statement from David O’Brien, CEO of Limerick Civic Trust, read: “The Limerick Civic Trust were saddened to hear of the tragic fire at the Sailor’s Home on O’Curry St last night. 

"The Limerick Civic Trust have for many years sought to restore and occupy this beautiful old building. We now wish to work with all parties, the Shannon Foynes Port Authority, their agents, and others to bring this site back to its original glory.”

A Garda spokesman confirmed that an examination of the scene was carried out on Saturday morning, that no injuries were reported, and that investigations are ongoing.