Celebrating the Legacy of Architect William Clifford Smith at Number 44 O'Connell Street

This Culture Night, explore the legacy of architect William Clifford Smith, fondly known as “Cliffy”, at Number 44 O’Connell Street, one of Limerick’s treasured Georgian buildings.

Previously shown at Shannon Rowing Club during Open House Limerick, this exhibition now finds a fitting home in Number 44, once the site of Stewart’s Chemist. Founded in 1884 by Joseph Stewart, the family-run pharmacy operated for over 80 years. In 1911, Stewart hired the Smith to redesign the shopfront in an Arts & Crafts style.

Born in Poole, Dorset in 1882, Smith rose to prominence after winning an international competition in 1902 to design the new Shannon Rowing Club. One requirement: move to Limerick to oversee construction, a move that spurred a celebrated Arts & Crafts architectural career in Ireland.

His signature can still be seen across the city, from in Number 45 O’Connell Street, the Belltable Arts Centre, and other iconic buildings.

Join us on Culture Night 2025 to walk through the history of Number 44 and celebrate the man who helped shape Limerick’s architectural identity. Discover the stories etched into the walls of this remarkable building and the legacy of William Clifford Smith.