Survey Data
Reg No
30343036
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Technical
Original Use
Gates/railings/walls
In Use As
Gates/railings/walls
Date
1800 - 1810
Coordinates
185176, 204291
Date Recorded
02/09/2009
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Ashlar limestone gateway to Portumna Castle, built c.1805, comprising vehicular entrance flanked by arched pedestrian entrances, flanked by octagonal piers with reeded colonettes on moulded plinths, with moulded bands and cornices, carved crocketed reeded pyramidal capstones with fleur-de-lys finials, vegetal detail to friezes, and supporting decorative cast-iron double-leaf and single-leaf gates. Pedestrian arches each have decorative impost course, leaf details to spandrels, moulded surround, ornamental detail instead of keystone, and moulded copings. Flanked by rubble limestone walls.
Appraisal
This entrance, known as the 'Morrison' or 'Gothic' gates, of a quality reflecting the architectural significance of Portumna Castle, are attributed to the architect Sir Richard Morrison. Very similar in design to the gates at St Carthage's Cathedral, Lismore, Co Waterford. (22809088) It is the first of three formal entrances that mark the avenue leading towards the castle. It forms part of a nationally important group with the castle, adjacent gate lodges, gates and other garden features.