Survey Data
Reg No
50060027
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social, Technical
Original Use
Gates/railings/walls
In Use As
Gates/railings/walls
Date
1825 - 1835
Coordinates
310962, 236888
Date Recorded
25/08/2014
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Cast-iron and granite gate screen, built c.1830. Double-leaf geometric spear-headed cast-iron vehicular gates, flanked by matching railings over granite dwarf-wall and single-leaf pedestrian gates (makers mark J & C McGloughlin Ltd. Dublin), that to east is centrally pivoted. Gates supported on six square-section ashlar granite piers having corniced caps and plain plinth. Inner piers topped with brass lamps over foliated cast-iron standards. Railing braced on either side by curlicue cast-iron supports over granite plinth. East and west outer piers abutted by rubble stone northern boundary wall of Phoenix Park (50060001). Bitmac entrance road and concrete footpath, concrete bollards in front of vehicular piers. Forms set-piece with flanking gate lodges (50060026 and 50060028) to southeast and southwest.
Appraisal
A fine early nineteenth-century cast-iron and granite gate screen, erected to designs by Decimus Burton, forming an important element of his remodelling of Phoenix Park. Intended as a showpiece, the gate screen is complimented by the nearby gate lodges (50060026 and 50060028), constituting a key component of the park boundary, which was designed for public view. Well maintained, the gate screen is enhanced by the restoration of the brass lamps. The ensemble contributes to the rich and varied architectural heritage of the park.