Survey Data

Reg No

14404403


Rating

Regional


Categories of Special Interest

Architectural, Historical, Social, Technical


Original Use

Workhouse administration block


In Use As

Guest house/b&b


Date

1835 - 1845


Coordinates

297858, 250423


Date Recorded

30/04/2002


Date Updated

--/--/--


Description

Detached dressed stone former workhouse master's house, built c.1840, now in use as guest house. Comprising an eight-bay two-storey range, with an advanced gable-fronted single-bay three-storey block attached to the north. Single-storey extensions to rear. Pitched slate roofs with brick chimneystacks, carved timber barge boards, and cast-iron rainwater goods. Limestone ashlar string courses, door surround, and dressings to openings. Some cast-iron diamond paned windows to three-storey block. Limestone ashlar gate piers. Remains of outbuilding to site.

Appraisal

This workhouse master's house serves as a reminder of the work of the Poor Law Unions in housing and caring for the destitute of Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century. The workhouses were built throughout Ireland to similar plans but on different scales to the designs of George Wilkinson following the passing of the Poor Relief (Ireland) Act in 1838. The survival of many original features and materials enhance the architectural form of the building.