Inchicore Public Library is an art deco style public library in Inchicore, Dublin designed by Robert Sorley Lawrie working in the city architect’s office under Horace O’Rourke.[2]
The library building is one of four similar libraries built by Dublin Corporation between 1935 and 1940 in the Dublin suburbs of Phibsborough, Ringsend, Drumcondra and Inchicore.[2][3] It is included in the Record of Protected Structures maintained by Dublin City Council.[4]
The building closed in 2020, initially for planned refurbishment works, with Inchicore’s public library operating from temporary premises on the grounds of the former Richmond Barracks.[1] While unoccupied, a pipe in the building burst in December 2022, causing significant damage.[5] As of late 2025, the art deco building remained closed and the refurbishment works incomplete.[1] While Dublin City Council suggested that the building could reopen in early 2027, there were no specific decisions on “what it will be used for”.[1]
See also
- Ringsend Public Library
- Drumcondra Public Library
- Phibsborough Public Library
- List of libraries in the Republic of Ireland
References
- ^ a b c d e “Inchicore library: ‘Empty, gorgeous art deco’ building faces uncertain future”. Irish Times. 20 August 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ^ a b “Inchicore Library, Emmet Road, Emmet Road, Dublin City”. Buildings of Ireland. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- ^ “Brushing Up: The Art Deco Library on Emmet Road in Inchicore”. Dublin Inquirer. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
- ^ “Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume 4 – Record of Protected Structures” (PDF), dublincity.ie, p. 82,
8839 [..] 34 Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 [..] Inchicore Public Library
- ^ “Under the council’s management, the building that recently housed Inchicore’s library has been left vacant and been badly damaged”. dublininquirer.com. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2026.