Spires, ships and smokestacks c.1910

Cork's maritime, industrial and religious landscapes are on full view in this early 20th Century picture from the Fergus O'Connor collection. 

Both George's quay and Morrison's island were birthed in the latter half of the 18th Century. The stately Parliament Bridge joined their ranks in the early 19th century.

On Fr. Mathew quay, once known as Charlotte Quay, a cherished sight stands tall: the Holy Trinity Church. It belongs to the Capuchins and is the only church dedicated to Father Theobald Mathew. he commissioned George Pain in 1825 to design this sublime structure. Construction began in the early 1830s but stalled shortly before the Great Famine. However, by 1890, the gothic portico and spire finally took shape, just in time for Father Mathew's centenary.

Unlike many of Cork's quays that have undergone transformations, this scene has remained much the same since despite its 18th and 19th century origins. The only notable change is the absence of ships, a striking contrast to the past.

Click below for a larger view.