William Farrell (architect) facts for kids

William Farrell (died 1851) was an important Irish architect who lived and worked in Dublin. He was active in the early to mid-1800s, during the Georgian and early Victorian periods. He is especially known for designing many churches and other public buildings. He was also a member of the RIAI.

William Farrell's Architecture Career

William Farrell took over from another architect named John Bowden. From 1823 to 1843, Farrell worked as an architect for the Board of First Fruits. This board helped build and repair churches for the Church of Ireland in the Armagh area. After 1839, he continued this work for the Board of Ecclesiastical Commissioners, which took over from the Board of First Fruits.

Farrell was a "freeman" of Dublin City starting in 1816. This meant he was a member of the Guild of Carpenters. He was also the president of a home for older and sick carpenters in 1842. He served on the council for the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland from 1842 to 1849. He then became the vice president in 1849 and held that role until he passed away.

Some people had different opinions about his designs. In 1832, a funny poem made fun of several architects, including Farrell. It suggested that he got rich from other people's hard work.

Around 1833 or 1834, Farrell's sons joined his business. In 1839, the company's name changed to "William Farrell & Son." After William Farrell died in 1851, only one son, Francis James Farrell, continued the business. Another son, Arthur Thomas Farrell, went to Trinity College, Dublin in 1830.

Architects William Farrell Influenced

Many well-known Irish architects learned their skills in William Farrell's office. In the 1830s, it is believed that James Joseph McCarthy trained there. McCarthy later became a famous architect himself, designing buildings like the Roman Catholic St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan (built between 1861 and 1892). Other people who learned from Farrell included Sinclair Bates in 1809, John Louch in 1813, Parke Neville, and Sandham Symes.

Notable Buildings Designed by William Farrell

• Kirwan House Female Orphanage Chapel (1818-1970)
• St Patrick's Church of Ireland Church, Monaghan (1836)
• Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital, Omagh, County Tyrone
• Cavan Courthouse
• Killeshandra Church of Ireland (1840)
• Kilmore diocese See House, Cavan