Moore's Hotel stood as a well known centre of accomodation on Morrison's Island for centuries until it fell into decline in the late 1990s.
The historic hotel played a role in Cork's revolutionary era, becoming a base for Black and Tans before Free State forces moved in.
On a September afternoon in 1922 an elderly lady died in the hotel as a result of the Civil War playing out on the streets of the rebel city.
73 year old Frances Haynes was staying in Moore's Hotel. She was in her room when she heard a commotion on the street outside.
73 year old Frances Haynes was staying in Moore's Hotel. She was in her room when she heard a commotion on the street outside.
An open top Ford touring car sped along Union Quay on the opposite quayside from Moores Hotel. Free State guards at the door of the hotel saw the car with a lewis machine gun mounted on it. The soldiers let out a roar for people to take cover but, unfortunately for Mrs Haynes, she looked out the window just as the machine gun splattered the façade of the hotel with bullets.
Hotel interior during re-development 2021.
Seven bullets smashed through the window Mrs Haynes was looking out of. She staggered out of her room with bullet wounds and collapsed on the landing of the stairs. She later died in hospital.
Hotel during re-development in 2021.
The shooting was carried out by Anti-Treaty IRA forces who were aiming at the Free Staters stationed in the hotel but, the only casualty that day was a civilian.
In May 1921 Moore's Hotel became a base for the Black and Tans before Free State forces took over in early 1922. The hotel became the HQ of the Free State Civic Guard, the forerunner to An Garda Siochana. The Civic Guard were first stationed in the School of Music before moving across the river to Moore's Hotel.
Morrison's Island with the Holy Trinity Church on the left.
In May 1921 Moore's Hotel became a base for the Black and Tans before Free State forces took over in early 1922. The hotel became the HQ of the Free State Civic Guard, the forerunner to An Garda Siochana. The Civic Guard were first stationed in the School of Music before moving across the river to Moore's Hotel.
A member of the Free State Civic Guard (or Civic Police) standing near the National Monument, Grand Parade.
The Civic Guard were established in February 1922 and 104 Guards were recruited in Cork City with Jeremiah Murphy of Blarney Street in charge. Apart from being the HQ of the Civic Guard, Moores Hotel continued to host civilians. It also doubled up as a prison for those arrested on charges of looting!
Postbox on wall next to hotel dating from the 1910s, the reign of King George (GR)
Today Moores Hotel is no more. The historic hotel was recently sold and radically redeveloped as a Premier Inn - looters will not be accommodated!
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