Survey Data
Reg No
15402901
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical
Original Use
Building misc
Date
1800 - 1840
Coordinates
207592, 239657
Date Recorded
01/10/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Two freestanding battlemented towers on square-plan, built c.1820, formerly part of the Creggan House estate (house demolished). Lime rendered walls with projecting ashlar limestone string courses and battlements to parapet. Square-headed and pointed-arch window openings, fittings now gone/blocked. Single tripartite window to one of the towers having cut limestone surrounds, mullions and transoms. Square-headed doorcases with remains of timber sheeted doors. Towers stand to either side of site of Creggan House. Set back from road in own grounds to the southeast of Athlone Town. Rubble limestone boundary wall to the south.
Appraisal
An interesting pair of early nineteenth-century towers, originally associated with Creggan House (demolished), which retain their early form and character despite being out of use. These towers are well-built and have good quality ashlar limestone detailing with the battlemented parapets and the cut limestone mullioned and the ransomed window particularly noteworthy features. These structures originally flanked Creggan House and may have functioned as follies. They have a subdued Gothic character on account to the pointed arched window openings. Creggan House, itself, was burnt down in 1921 and demolished prior to c.1930 and these towers now act as an historical reminder of the house. They are interesting and curious features in the landscape to the southeast of Athlone and are worthy additions to the architectural heritage of the area