Survey Data

Reg No

13402340


Rating

Regional


Categories of Special Interest

Architectural, Technical


Original Use

Gates/railings/walls


In Use As

Gates/railings/walls


Date

1850 - 1900


Coordinates

222563, 259540


Date Recorded

02/09/2005


Date Updated

--/--/--


Description

Vernacular field gate, erected c. 1875, comprising a pair of rubble stone gate piers (on square-plan) with a pair of wrought-iron flat-bar gates having curved wrought-iron latch and curved wrought-iron finials. Cut stone stile located to the south of the south pier. Located adjacent to rural road a short distance to the north of Abbeyshrule.

Appraisal

This simple vernacular gateway retains much of its early character and form, despite some damage to the wrought-iron gate. The substantial and robust gate piers are a modest example of the vernacular tradition, constructed with local materials. This gateway is one of a number of vernacular field gates that survive in the Abbeyshrule area. Simple vernacular entrance gateways of this nature were once very common features of the rural landscape of Longford but are now becoming increasingly rare on account of clearance to accommodate modern agricultural needs and road widening schemes etc. Although construction was primarily functional, they exhibit visual appeal in the rural countryside. This gateway makes a pleasing roadside feature, adding appeal to its rural location to the north of Abbeyshrule. The cut stone stile to the south adds to the setting.