Survey Data
Reg No
32400812
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Archaeological, Architectural, Social
Previous Name
Lissadill House
Original Use
Walled garden
Date
1740 - 1780
Coordinates
162394, 344119
Date Recorded
03/09/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached walled garden, built c. 1760. Known as the lower walled garden (or Alpine walled garden), it formed part of the original Lissadell House site. Irregular plan, incorporating castle ruins. High rubble stone boundary walls, part roughcast. Segmental-headed door openings to south-east, north and north-west; red brick surrounds. Garden contains wide variety of deciduous trees and wildflowers and was divided into two sections by a long narrow pond. Entrance with cut-limestone gate piers to south-west. Four-bay single-storey house, remodelled c. 1940, attached to west, pitched slate roof. Sited on service laneway to Lissadell estate, overlooking Sligo Bay to south.
Appraisal
Although overgrown and sadly neglected, this is still a fine example of a nineteenth century walled garden, almost certainly contemporary with the eighteenth century house. Of great historical signifiance as it was here that Sir Josslyn Gore-Booth undertook the intensive cultivation of Alpine plants for which he received international renown. The fact that it is located on the site of an earlier house and even earlier castle adds not only historic but possibly also archaeological significance to the site. The substantial stone boundary walls survive almost intact.