Survey Data
Reg No
40819025
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic
Previous Name
The Lodge
Original Use
Demesne walls/gates/railings
In Use As
Demesne walls/gates/railings
Date
1835 - 1845
Coordinates
229752, 427999
Date Recorded
28/09/2010
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Main gateway serving Rathmullan House (see 40819012), erected c. 1841, comprising a central pair of ashlar gate piers (on square-plan) having plinths to base and moulded cut stone cornice capping over (with stringcourse to base mimicking entablature), and having a pair of decorative cast-iron gates having cast-iron ‘grasping hand’ hinges. Gateway flanked to either side (north and south) by curved quadrant sections of ashlar plinth wall with cast-iron finials over, and terminated to north end by ashlar gate pier (on square-plan) having plinth to base and moulded cut stone cornice capping over (with stringcourse to base mimicking entablature), and to the south by rebuilt stone gate pier. Attendant gate lodge (see 40819024) adjacent to the south-east. Located at the start of long approach avenue to the south-west of Rathmullan House, and to the north of Rathmullan town centre. Rubble stone estate boundary walls to the south.
Appraisal
This elegantly-appointed sweeping gateway makes a suitable fine first impression at the main entrance to Rathmullan House (see 40819012). The finely-carved and well-detailed ashlar gate piers exhibit craftsmanship of the highest quality, and are among the best examples of their type in this part of Donegal. These piers having a classical architectural character (with cornice and stringcourse etc.) that compliments the style of attendant gate lodge (see 40819024) adjacent to the south-east, which were more than likely built at the same time. The intricate cast-iron gates and railings survive in good condition and are notable examples of high-quality mid nineteenth-century mass-produced metallurgy. Also notable are the fine cast-iron ‘grasping hand’ hinges to the gates. This gateway is one of three gateways serving Rathmullan House (see 40819037 for gateway to the north and estate boundary wall). This gateway forms a pair of related structures along with the attendant gate lodge, and part of a wider group of structures associated with Rathmullan House, and is an integral element of the built heritage of the local area in its own rights.