The Discover Ireland Centre was conceived as a link between Donegal Town centre (the Diamond) dating from Plantation times, and the ruins of a 15th Century Franciscan Friary which lies on the shore of Donegal Bay, 500m from the Diamond. The site was extremely confined with a stone retaining wall supporting Quay Street on the eastern boundary and a steep bank rising on the southern edge.
The building can be seen as an extrusion of the retaining wall, blending into pre-existing site conditions. The roof deck parallel and adjacent to Quay Street is an obvious location for a roof garden and viewing platform, and reinforces the visual link between the Diamond and the Friary while providing an important addition to the urban fabric of the town.
If you would like to talk to Allan Curran Architects about a project you're planning, complete the short form below and we'll get in touch with you as soon as possible.
This was our first self-build and we were impressed by the helpful advice we received from the initial planning through to completion of the build. Roci was careful to warn us of the financial implications of any decisions which helped to keep us within our budget. We wanted a modern innovative design which was economical to heat and maintain and we have been delighted with the result. The design also incorporated features which maximize the particular strengths of our unusual site. We also required the renovation of an old mill and the architectural advice received was also invaluable both in obtaining planning consent and enabling us to achieve our objectives whilst staying within our budget. Overall we have been delighted with the project and remain grateful for the quality of the advice and communication which we received from the architect which enable us to enjoy the experience from start to completion.
Jonathan and Barbara, Co. FermanaghA very knowledgeable and professional service. Will make your project become a reality with a no fuss, can do ethos. Extremely helpful and a pleasure to deal with. Highly recommended.
Marshall Clarke, Co. FermanaghAllan Curran Architects designed and supervised all the work connected to the renovations of our 3 bathrooms in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo. This was an extensive job involving completely redesigning and re-configuring the spaces. We live in the US and the work was done in our absence. We were given constant updates and kept very regularly abreast of the work. We couldn't recommend Allan Curran Architects more. They were a pleasure to deal with at every step. Extremely professional and attentive. The work did not go over budget. We are delighted with the finished work. The master bathroom is one of the nicest bathroom we have ever been in, it is like a bathroom in a boutique spa hotel. Excellent experience from first to last dealing.
Ann, Co. Sligo