Survey Data
Reg No
14819279
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Archaeological, Architectural, Social, Technical
Original Use
Demesne walls/gates/railings
In Use As
Demesne walls/gates/railings
Date
1830 - 1870
Coordinates
205797, 205194
Date Recorded
04/09/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Random coursed limestone walls, built c.1850, surrounding Birr Castle demesne. Wall varies in height with castellated parapet, cut stone circular corner towers with loops and a variety of door and carriage openings, some with cut stone surrounds giving access into the demesne. Square towers to south.
Appraisal
The walls that surround the demesne of Birr Castle were built to provide maximum employment during the years of, and immediately following, the Famine. The walls vary in height and treatment. The elevations which front onto Rosse Row and the gates which terminate the vista of Oxmantown Mall are especially grand. The walls previously had a narrow sloping grass bank at their base to protect them from traffic. A notable feature within Birr, they contribute to not only to the character of the estate, but indeed, to the historic town itself.