1903 – Central Library, Waterford, Co. Waterford

Designs for a new free library, funded by Andrew Carnegie, were invited in March 1902. This was the first of Ireland’s many Carnegie libraries to be built. The philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who had previously opened libraries in Scotland, Canada, and the US, laid the foundation stone in 1903.

Built on a corner site in Kilkenny limestone is a classical-style building, reminiscent of a bank due to its impression of solidity. In 2004 the library was reopened after having been renovated and extended by McCullogh Mulvin Architects for its centenary.