Town planning and Architectural Works, Ireland

Over a period of about ten years, from circa 1803 to 1813, William Atkinson was employed by the Fifth and Sixth Dukes of Devonshire as town planner and architect on their Irish estates. In 1803 he was commissioned to survey and re-plan the towns of Bandon, Co. Cork, and Lismore, Co. Waterford, and at about the same time he also re-planned parts of the centre of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. He prepared the original designs for the bridge across the River Colligan at Dungarvan, begun by 1810, but was replaced by Samuel Ware in 1813 when the cost began to outrun the estimate. He was responsible for alterations at Lismore Castle from 1811 or 1812 with James Dwyer acting as executant architect.

Although the Dictionary of Irish Architects ascribes the works to William Atkinson of London, various snippets suggest that it was William Atkinson of Manchester who was employed by the Dukes of Devonshire as the advertisment in the Manchester Mercury indicates:

TO PLASTERERS – Wanted immediately, eight or ten good plasterers to go to Ireland. Apply to Mr Atkinson, architect, Hope Street, Piccadilly, None but the best workmen will be engaged. [Manchester Mercury 17 November 1812 page 4]