Skiddy's Almshouse

Skiddy's Almshouse is an L-shaped stone building with an arcade design that stands surrounded by a high wall near the former Saint Mary's Churchyard in Cork. The structure features open walkways and creates an enclosed residential space.

Stephen Skiddy, a wine merchant, left money in his 1584 will to build this house, which was completed in 1719. From the start, it opened its doors to poor residents of both Catholic and Protestant faiths.

The building shows how early forms of care for people in need took shape in Ireland through private generosity. It reflects the community's role in looking after elderly and poor residents.

The building is maintained by a housing management company and has undergone major work in 1975 and 2005 to keep it in good condition. Visitors should respect that people live here and view the exterior and its layout from outside the residential area.

A guild organization in London has continued for centuries to send annual payments to support the building, exactly as Skiddy specified in his original will. This rare cross-border arrangement shows how his wishes were honored across generations.

Location: Cork

Inception: 1719

Architects: Frank Murphy

GPS coordinates: 51.90348,-8.47486

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:40