A new chapter in the planning for an old Courthouse in Offaly

THERE'S something stirring again behind the elegant limestone walls of Birr’s old courthouse.

After years of dreaming, planning, and careful groundwork, the vision to transform this historic building into Birr Creative Court - a lively hub for artists and the wider community — is moving steadily toward reality.

The courthouse has stood closed since 2013, but the people of Birr never lost faith in its potential. Through the dedication of Birr 20/20 Vision, working hand in hand with Offaly County Council, a new future began to take shape - one that reimagines the courthouse as a home for creativity, collaboration, and connection.

A 2019 Scoping Study by Louise Browne Associates helped to set that vision in motion, proposing artist studios, rehearsal and exhibition spaces, and community rooms under one roof. It’s a vision that honours the building’s heritage while embracing the creative spirit that runs so strongly through Birr.

Since then, steady progress has been made. In 2021, the courthouse officially transferred to Offaly County Council, allowing essential conservation works to begin. Thanks to the Historic Towns Initiative and Historic Structures Fund, urgent repairs to the roof and façade were completed, protecting the building for the future. A detailed Conservation Master Plan by Howley Hayes Cooney Architects followed, outlining how the courthouse could evolve into a sustainable creative hub.

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The biggest milestone yet came in December 2024, when planning permission (Part 8) was granted for the full refurbishment of the building. The approved design will retain the courthouse’s historic character while creating new, flexible spaces to host artists, workshops, and community gatherings.

Now, in 2025, the focus turns to the future. A new Business and Governance Plan is underway to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability and to guide how Birr Creative Court will operate once its doors reopen.

At its heart, this project is about more than bricks and mortar - it’s about renewal, creativity, and community pride. The courthouse that once stood for judgment will soon stand for imagination, collaboration, and shared purpose.

As one local supporter put it, “We’ve always known the courthouse had another story to tell- now we’re writing it together.”

A Public Meeting, under the auspices of Birr 20:20 Vision Ltd., to share the vision for and discuss the progression of the development of Birr Creative Court will take place in Birr Theare & Arts Centre on Wednesday, November 19^th at 8.30pm. The focus will be Next Steps for the Creative Court, and everyone is invited to learn more about these exciting plans.

As Fiona Breen, Director of Birr 20:20 Vision Ltd.’s Arts Pillar describes it, “The Creative Court is more than a building; it’s a conversation between what was and what might be, an invitation to create the next chapter together”.

They look forward to welcoming you to Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on this Wednesday, November 19^th.

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