Survey Data
Reg No
22206907
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social
Original Use
Monastery
In Use As
School
Date
1860 - 1870
Coordinates
207292, 134161
Date Recorded
18/05/2005
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Quadrangular-plan three-storey former seminary, built c. 1865 and remodelled c. 1940, comprising twenty-bay north block, ten-bay west block, thirteen-bay east block with three-bay end elevations and with former country house forming most of south side. Flat-roofed single-storey ambulatory projecting from north and west blocks, and linking latter block to chapel to south. Italianate six-stage clock tower towards centre of north block and projecting slightly. Single-bay full-height gabled projection to rear of west block and single- three-storey extensions to rear of north block and recent single-storey flat-roofed block filling eastern half of quadrangle. Full-height canted-bay to south gable of west block and two-storey canted-bay to rear of same block. Pitched slate roofs with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods, with bracketed eaves to north block. Render cornice and rendered parapet to ambulatory. Smooth rendered walls with render string courses and having render platband between upper storeys of west block. Square-headed window openings to north block, with moulded render surrounds. West block has camber-headed openings to top floor and segmental-headed openings of first floor. All windows replacement uPVC. Elliptical-headed window openings to ambulatory, with render label-mouldings and render impost and sill courses, with fixed timber frames with leaded stained glass.
Appraisal
This imposing structure forms an integral part of the Rockwell College complex. The building dates from the 1860s when the Holy Ghost Father congregation acquired Rockwell demesne and established a junior seminary on the site. The extensive buildings are dominated by the Italianate tower which is visible over the surrounding countryside for miles. The ambulatory is also a significant feature of the buildings. Together with the chapel, former country house and other buildings, the college is a significant architectural ensemble. Many historical figures are associated with Rockwell College including Éamon De Valera, former Taoiseach and President of Ireland, who was schooled here and played rugby for the college team.