Survey Data
Reg No
15401221
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Technical
Original Use
Gate lodge
In Use As
Gate lodge
Date
1850 - 1870
Coordinates
244888, 257696
Date Recorded
20/11/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached Gothic Revival gate lodge and gateway, built c.1860, comprising central pointed segmental-headed headed carriage arch with battlemented and machicolated three-storey tower on octagonal plan to west and a battlemented turret on square plan to the east. Pointed segmental-headed pedestrian entrance to the east. Cast-iron double gates to centre and cast-iron gate to pedestrian entrance. Constructed of cut limestone (almost snecked) over chamfered limestone plinth with extensive ashlar and cut limestone trim, including projecting string courses, machicolations and battlemented parapet. Carved stone coat of arms of Levinge Family over carriage arch to centre. Square-headed window openings, some paired with stone mullions, with chamfered ashlar surrounds and hoodmouldings over. Windows now blocked. Located adjacent to main Mullingar to Castlepollard road and to the south west of Knockdrin Castle.
Appraisal
A very fine example of a castellated gate lodge and arch, which retains its early form and character. It is very well-built and extensively detailed in good quality limestone. The cut stone coat of arms is of the Levinge Family, the original occupants of Knockdrin Castle. It replaced an earlier gate lodge serving Knockdrin Castle at this location. This structure was built to designs by John McCurdy (1824-85), c.1860, and is later than other similar castellated lodges in Westmeath, including those at Tullynally Castle (Castlepollard) and at Killua Castle (near Clonmellon). This picturesque structure forms part of an important group of demesne structures within the Killua Castle Demesne, and acts as a suitable foretaste of the grand Gothic Revival castle itself (15401222).