The Irish Times

Now that Cork's architectural face is changing so rapidly, next weekend's conference at Fota House offers a chance to revisit some aspects of the city's built heritage. Nineteenth Century Architecture and Gardens begins with a reception at the AIB branch at 66 South Mall, in itself an example of some of the best work of the Hill family of architects. Tracing this firm from its roots gives UCC's Dr Dagmar O Riain-Raedel an opportunity to discuss some of Cork's finest buildings, a continuing evidence of the legacy of those years in which Dean and Woodward, Atkins, Pain and Benson were among the leading lights. An exhibition of plans, drawings, letter-books and buildings is the centrepiece of the conference, which includes speakers such as Frank Keohane of Dublin, Michael Starrett of the Heritage Council, John Cahill and Cormac Foley from the OPW, with gardeners Finola Reid and Angela Jupe and historian Tom Dunne.