Survey Data
Reg No
22204311
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical
Original Use
Monument
In Use As
Monument
Date
1815 - 1820
Coordinates
231935, 157027
Date Recorded
27/05/2005
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding triangular-plan three-stage tower, dated 1817, without roof, and having walls to south and west elevations and later low bracing wall to north-east. Rubble limestone walls to tower and shale to bracing wall. Tower has dressed limestone quoins, and pointed arch door and window niches to internal and external faces, with dressed limestone voussoirs, and blind Greek cross loops to top stage niches. Carved limestone date plaque to niche to west elevation. Bracing wall has parabolic-arched door opening with dressed limestone voussoirs.
Appraisal
One of a remarkably intact and diverse group of demesne buildings including Kilcooly Abbey itself, its associated outbuildings and smaller dwellings, the Church of Ireland church, the old walled graveyard, the ruined Abbey, the dovecote, the boathouse, and the nearby icehouse in the former deerpark, this was originally erected by Sir William Barker to commemorate Wellington's victory at Waterloo. Not unlike the boathouse, its main façade is illusory - designed to be viewed from the south and west, giving the impression of a square tower, while the low bracing wall remains unseen. Although now surrounded by forest, it is partly visible over the surrounding landscape.