The Firkin Crane was opened in 1855 in Cork, Ireland as part of the Butter Exchange to weigh firkins, or quarter barrels, of butter. It operated as a butter market until 1924 and then housed a margarine manufacturer until the 1970s. In 1979, the vacant building was purchased by the Irish National Ballet to serve as their new theater. However, in 1980, a fire destroyed the entire structure. Through donations, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1992, and currently houses multiple dance companies in Cork with regular performances.

1. Firkin Crane
North Side Cork

2. The Firkin Crane was opened in
August 1855
It was designed by Sir John
Benson to be used as part of
the Butter Exchange.

3. The Meaning of the Name
• "Firkin" is a Danish word meaning
quarter barrel, which represented
9 gallons of butter.
• In former times the firkins were
weighed on a balance known as a
“Crane”.

5. An End of an Era…
• The Butter Market closed in 1924.
• James Daly & Sons manufactured
margarine in the Firkin Crane until the
1970’s.
• In the 1970’s, they move premises.
• The building was put up for sale in 1979.

6. Cork Ballet
• The Irish National Ballet were looking for a
new theatre when the Firkin Crane was put up
for sale.
• Joan Denise Moriarty, the Company's Director
asked the Arts Council to buy the building and
refurbished it.
• This became the home of the Cork-based
ballet company.

7. However…
When the work was being carried out on the
building, it was completely destroyed by a fire
on 6 July 1980.

8. Thankfully…
A group of businessmen and other European
Councils worked together to cover the cost of
re-building the Firkin Crane after the fire.

9. 26 April 1992
The building was opened by the Taoiseach
Albert Reynolds.

10. And they all lived happily ever after…
To this day, the building is used as a base
for many dance company’s in Cork.
There are many shows
performed in the theatre.

11. Source:
http://www.firkincrane.ie/index.php/a
bout/history/