Survey Data
Reg No
15004143
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Technical
Previous Name
Athlone Railway Station
Original Use
Locomotive shed
In Use As
Locomotive shed
Date
1850 - 1860
Coordinates
203282, 241753
Date Recorded
08/09/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached ten-bay single-storey engine shed, built c.1858. Two-storey on road frontage to west. Pitched natural slate roof with cast-iron rainwater goods. Constructed of snecked limestone with brick detailing. Western gable (road-fronted) has Doric pilasters and entablature with brick and terracotta cornice and frieze above. Two blind round-headed recesses below to west end are mirrored by double round-headed openings with steel doors for trains on eastern side. Round-headed window openings to north elevation with brick surrounds. Located to west of former Midland and Great Western Railway Station and just to south of goods shed (15004146).
Appraisal
This engine shed is part of the Athlone West Station and was built to designs by J. S Mulvany (1813-70) for the Midland and Great Western Railway Company. This building is not merely a functional structure but has a consciously heroic architectural quality achieved through its scale and robust detailing. The contrast between the crisp snecked limestone and the brick and terracotta detailing creates and attractive appearance. Forms an interesting pair with the goods shed (15004146) to the north.