1919 – Former Hibernian Bank, O’Connell Street Lower, Dublin

Built after the previous branch of the Hibernian Bank was destroyed in the fighting during the 1916 Easter Rising. The previous building was by O’Neill & Byrne and was constructed from a former W.G. Mooney public house in 1878. The replacement building was designed by Ralph H. Byrne with carvings by C.W. Harrison & Sons.

“The Hibernian Bank on the opposite corner of Lower Abbey Street, also of granite and Portland stone, is on the whole, one of the most pleasing buildings of those yet completed. The architects of this bank are Messrs W.H. Byrne and Son. Both of these banks would be very much better without the cupolas or turrets which embellish them.”
The Architect, March 11 1921.

Changed hands in 1953 when it was acquired by a building society. It is still in use by a financial institution today and for many years, its recognisable outline was part of their logo.