Tara House

It has now been converted to a cinema complex by the Sourris brothers retaining many of the original historical aspects of the building and its long history as the Brisbane Irish Club.

From 1884 to 1899, the building was owned by the wealthy London merchant Alexander McArthur and used as the Brisbane branch of his extensive warehousing firm.

The earlier success of the QIA reflects the significance of Queensland's Irish population from the start of free settlement.

[6] On 16 December 2015 it was announced that the Queensland Irish Association was unable to secure a lease within Tara House due to higher offers being given by commercial operators.

It is located close to other remnants of the warehouse era, notably the adjacent Heckelmanns Building and the present Kings Car Park.

[2] Tara House is a two-storey, cement-rendered brick building with basement of the late 1870s, with simple classical detailing, including an arcaded upper level crowned by an entablature and balustraded parapet.

A panelled, arched ceiling to the rear half of this floor is decorated in modelled fibrous plaster with angels, harps and Australian floral motifs in gold relief.

[2] Tara House (Irish Club) was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 having satisfied the following criteria.

Tara House is significant for its architectural quality, in particular the fine design, detailing, materials and workmanship of the interior, which were part of the 1927-28 renovations.

Tara House is significant for its architectural quality, in particular the fine design, detailing, materials and workmanship of the interior, which were part of the 1927-28 renovations.

[2] The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.

Arched ceiling in the Tara Ball Room, 2015
Lead light panels depicting the four provinces of Ireland and the Queensland coat of arms, 2015