Survey Data
Reg No
30403109
Rating
National
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social, Technical
Original Use
Mausoleum
In Use As
Mausoleum
Date
1850 - 1880
Coordinates
156558, 256511
Date Recorded
20/10/2009
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding round-plan mausoleum, erected c.1865, to Colonel Dennis. Constructed of smooth cast-iron panels, with moulded plinth. Frieze with moulded string course to base and having Ionic cornice with dentals below and blocking course above. Roof supports cylindrical pedestal on which stood funereal urn now lying on ground. Square-headed doorway having architraved doorcase with scroll brackets supporting cornice over which is Dennis coat of arms. Name and dates of Colonel Dennis, applied to iron door now fallen away or removed. Mausoleum set on round-plan iron platform surrounded by cast-iron railing now damaged. Stands in graveyard of Clonbern church ruin.
Appraisal
This truly remarkable and bizarre monument is unique in Ireland. Its manufacture, of cast iron, is highly accomplished, and it presents an array of good classical detailing. It may have been designed and built in Scotland.