In Ireland , the Cork Athenaeum was built by public subscription in 1853 ( this was later to become the Cork Opera House ) .
Dublin had an Athenaeum at 43 Grafton Street in 1856 .
In Ireland , the Cork Athenaeum was built by public subscription in 1853 ( this was later to become the Cork Opera House ) , and Dublin had an Athenaeum at 43 Grafton Street in 1856 .