The historic Spa House in Mallow, Co Cork, has been significantly redeveloped as the town's new tourist office.

The Spa House was constructed in 1828 to replace the existing pump house and was commissioned by C.D.O. Jephson, the town's proprietor who lived at Mallow Castle. It was designed by George Pain in the Tudor Revival Style and contained a pump room, an apartment for medical consultation, a reading room and baths.

Over the years the house became a private residence and was also used by Cork County Council's Energy Agency. Cork County Council has now funded and completed a €280,000 refurbishment project of the landmark building. The Spa House is now home to the town's new tourist office, the Council's Local Enterprise Office and a meeting room for Avondhu Blackwater Partnership.

Speaking as he officially opened the new facility, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins said: "The Spa House is one of Mallow's most loved buildings and I'm delighted to see it returned to full use. It has a fascinating history and the water from this site was even bottled and sold in Cork city more than 200 years ago. The legacy of the Spa House is one that blends tourism and entrepreneurship. Visitors flocked from far and wide to experience the health benefits of the spring water and will be returning again to the new tourist office. It is also fitting that the Spa House will also be the location of Cork County Council's North Local Enterprise Office as well as a meeting space for Avondhu Blackwater Partnership."

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Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey commented: "As a protected building, the Spa House has been extensively and carefully renovated. The works were fully funded by Cork County Council and include new lime-based plaster work internally and pointing of the stone which are important from a conservation and architectural perspective. The Spa House is just one element in our ambitious plans for Mallow which include the new boardwalk in the town, the playground, Mallow Castle walled garden restoration and new signage, all of which have been completed. Planning has been granted for improvements to Mallow Town Park and the feasibility assessment on the Mallow to Dungarvan Greenway is progressing well."

The Spa House refurbishment project includes external pointing of the stonework, roof repairs, new electrical wiring, lime-based internal plastering, new windows and new side doors. A radon barrier, sump and fans were also installed along with a new communications network and interlink with Cork County Council's server. 

The Mayor also unveiled a new colourful and informative illustrated map highlighting key heritage sites and buildings in Mallow. The pocket-size Mallow Historic Town Map provides a self-guiding tour of the town. It highlights 35 heritage buildings and features within the town including the Clock House, Mallow Bridge, churches, Mallow Castle and house. Each site is accompanied by a brief description. 

The Historic Map series is funded through the Cork County Council Municipal District offices. Mallow is the 13th in the series and joins Bandon, Kinsale, Clonakilty Dunmanway, Bantry, Schull, Skibbereen, Castletownbere, Charleville, Mitchelstown, Millstreet and Macroom.