Our Story
Old Cork Waterworks Experience has received numerous awards and accreditation from local, national and international bodies. Listed below is a brief explanation of some of the awards and accreditations received:
Cork Business Association 2024 - Shortlisted for Cork Carnival of Science under the Tourism and Arts Event category, this award is designed to recognise and reward an organisation, attraction, business or event that has excelled in tourism, contributing to growing tourist numbers and or the visitor experience in Cork.
All Ireland Community and Council Awards 2023 - shortlisted for Cork Carnival of Science under the best Irish festival category.
Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2022 - Cork Carnival of Science, the two day STEM engagement event organised by OCWE was shortlisted for the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, the presentations took place on Thursday 24th November in Dublin.
Cork Lifelong City Awards 2022 - recognised and celebrated example of lifelong learning across all ages, interests, and abilities that demonstrate innovation, endeavor, and resilience in the context of the years 2021 and 2022
Industrial Heritage Association of Ireland 2011 - “Best Industrial Museum/Site” recognised individuals and organisations that have contributed to the preservation and promotion of Ireland’s industrial heritage. (July 2011)
The Heritage Council 2010 - "Best Interactive Heritage Week Event" The Heritage Council's National Heritage Awards celebrate the most engaging projects and events organised by National Heritage Week project organisers.
ISO 14001 - Environmental Management System Lifetime Lab has been accredited by the National Standards Association of Ireland for the implementation of an internationally recognised Environment Management System. (March 2009)
Green Awards 2008 - Shortlisted for the inaugural Green Awards set up by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. (December 2008)
Better Building Award 2008 Cork Better Buildings Awards is a Cork Marketing Partnership initiative, in association with Cork City Council, aimed at raising awareness of, and applauding the effort that goes into, the good design, maintenance, conservation and presentation of Cork Buildings. (November 2008)
Innovating Government Award 2008 The Innovating Government Awards play a major role in identifying and promoting excellence and creativity in the public sector. (October 2008)
Chambers Ireland President Award 2008 This award recognizes the work carried out by companies in Ireland in improving the lives of their employees and enhancing the civic environment in which they operate. (September 2008)
Taoiseach Public Service Excellence Award 2008 Award winners were selected as examples of innovation providing genuine benefits by way of better service provision and delivery of improved administration. (April 2008)
European Shining Example 2007 Aimed at encouraging local authorities to publicly display the energy and environmental performances of their public buildings using the same energy label that is used for household appliances. (June 2007)
Green Failte Award 2007 Based on performance in Environmental management and focuses on implementing best practice in the areas of waste, water and energy. (Double Gold May 2007)
Clarion Communication Award 2006 Demonstrating corporate social responsibility, engaging in sustainable development and ensuring social inclusion.
RIAI Irish Architecture Award 2006 The Irish Architecture Awards are intended to communicate the range, variety and quality of Architects work in any one year.
Repak Recycling Award 2006 The objective of the Repak Awards is to promote and encourage good recycling practice amongst industry, local authorities, waste contractors and our youth.
Golden Spider Award 2006 This award recognises the best use of the Internet by a Public Sector organisation.
Opus - Building of the Year Awards 2005 The Opus "Building of the Year Awards" was developed to acknowledge the symbiotic relationship between design and construction.
Historical Context
Built to serve an empire and constructed during a time of rebellion, worldwide trade and emigration, Old Cork Waterworks played a key role in the prosperity of Cork and offers fascinating insights into the city’s industrial heritage.
Our story begins in 1762 when the architect and engineer Davis Ducart identified this location as being ideal for a waterworks. Fresh water was in plentiful supply (from the river and the salmon weir built by the Duke al Devonshire) and was also relatively clean as the site was upstream of the city and beyond the tidal reach of the sea. In the early 1760’s the Cork Pipe Water Company was established and the first Waterworks on the Lee Road was completed by 1768 with water supplied to Cork City using a wooden waterwheel and two open storage reservoirs, referred to as city basins. Water flowed through wooden pipes to the homes of wealthy city residents willing to pay an annual fee of two guineas. For the wider population water was provided through public cisterns and fountains. These facilities were said to be poorly maintained, often running dry resulting in public disorder.
The lack of clean water caused public health to decline drastically in the poorer areas and in 1852 the Cork Improvement Act allowed Cork Corporation to purchase the Cork Pipe Water Company and commence the badly needed upgrading works. In 1857 Sir John Benson was commissioned to design a new waterworks to supply clean water to rich and poor alike. His project installed two Forneyron turbines to act in tandem with the 20ft diameter waterwheel. A 90hp Cornish steam engine was introduced; new reservoirs constructed and cast iron pipes laid for distribution. These works were supplemented with two 40hp Bolton and Watt rotative beam engines in 1863 and a 38hp horizontal engine in 1869.
In the early 1890’s the waterwheel and associated buildings were dismantled, a new custom built turbine house constructed and a new pair of 60in “American” turbines installed. The excellent performance of this equipment influenced the decision to acquire two additional turbines in 1895, bringing the total to four all of which operational by 1901. The turbine house remains today with some of the remaining turbines reconditioned to generate hydro-electricity.
The waterworks was upgraded again between 1904 and 1907 when the two Lancashire boilers and three Inverted Triple Expansion Engines were installed. These engines and boilers were in use up to the late 1950's and are open to the public to view today.
A comprehensive 2 year restoration programme was completed in 2006. The Victorian buildings today function as a visitor attraction with meeting and event facilities and a dedicated STEAM education space.