Waltz into your own apartments on site of former Orchid Ballroom

THOSE who danced in the Orchid Ballroom of the former Devonshire Hotel in Bandon might now end up waltzing around their own apartment on the spot.

West Cork builders Brady Construction are starting a €5 million development of 13 apartment and eight duplexes on the site of the old Devonshire Hotel at Kilbrogan hill.

Daniel O’Connell addressed large meeting from this hotel in the 1840s, and almost 100 years later General Eoin O’Duffy also addressed a meeting from here, this time of the Blueshirts.

During the euphemistically titled Troubles the hotel was used as a Black and Tan barracks. The Devonshire was demolished in 1971, and was outlived for a few more years by the Orchid ballroom which had been built behind.

There were plans for a relief road to run through the site, but now instead the site will be redeveloped as The Devonshire.

Agents Paddy and Damien Murray of ERA Paddy Murray are to sell the 21 units, primarily marked at the retirement sector, with prices or two-bed apartments of 800 sq ft, with prices not yet fixed on the duplexes which will be up to 1,000 sq ft.

Features include gas central heating, main bedroom en-suite, lift access, central courtyard, enclosed parking behind electronic gates, and easy access to Bandon town centre.

Design is by PRC Architects.