Survey Data
Reg No
15402032
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic
Original Use
Outbuilding
In Use As
Stables
Date
1820 - 1830
Coordinates
255294, 252908
Date Recorded
26/05/2006
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Stable block and coach yard to the rear (southwest) of Lisnabin Castle (15402014), built c.1824, comprising central advanced two-bay two-storey section with three-storey tower (on square-plan) with battlemented parapet over with Irish Crenellations, flanked to the northwest and southeast by lower two-bay two-storey sections with central segmental-headed carriage arches. Pitched natural slate roofs to lower two-storey sections with battlemented parapet over two-storey central section. Constructed of rubble limestone with ashlar limestone trim and dressings. Square-headed window openings with timber casement windows and cut-stone sills. Cast-iron security bars to ground floor openings. Square-headed doorcases with battened timber half doors. Stable block and coach yard is accessed through a pointed segmental-headed carriage arch, flanked by octagonal turrets, having cast-iron double gates to the northwest side of the castle. Crenellated curtain wall screens complex from view on approach to Lisnabin Castle from the northeast. Extensive complex of rubble stone single and two-storey outbuildings (hipped natural slate roofs) to the south, arranged around a central cobbled courtyard (not accessed). A number of single-storey detached rubble limestone structures with square-headed openings lies to the south of this southern courtyard.
Appraisal
A suitably fine early-to-mid nineteenth-century stable block and complex of outbuildings associated with Lisnabin Castle (15402014). It is built in a Gothic castellated style, which mirrors the form and architectural style of the main house itself. This complex is built to a very high standard with good quality limestone masonry used throughout and is of architectural merit in its own right. This substantial complex gives an interesting insight into the complex and extensive resources required to maintain a large country estate in the nineteenth century. It is an integral element of the architectural heritage of Westmeath and forms part of an important group of related structures within the Lisnabin House Demesne, along with the main house itself and the main entrance gates (15402015) and gate lodge (15402033) to the northwest. The extensive collection of outbuildings to the south (not accessed), arranged around a central courtyard, and the detached single-storey structures behind this complex (south) complete this important composition.