Bracklyn House — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Detached three-bay single-storey gate lodge, built c.1821, comprising central segmental-headed carriage with pyramidal-shaped bellcote over, flanked by single-bay single-storey 'lodges' to either side (north and south). Hipped slate roofs to each lodge with curved ridges. Constructed of rusticated water-weathered limestone with a rusticated water-weathered pier on square-plan surmounted by a pinnacle to either side of each 'lodge'. Cut stone shield motif over bellcote with incised date '1821'. Single segmental-headed opening set in segmental-headed recesses to each lodge, pointed-arched opening to bellcote with brick surround. Modern wrought-iron double gates with raised lettering reading 'Bracklyn Estate' to main opening. Gateway flanked to north and south by modern wrought-iron pedestrian entrances and by quadrant sections of rusticated water-weathered limestone walling terminated by piers on square-plan with pinnacles over. Road-fronted to west of Bracklyn House (15401405).

This curious entrance gateway is one of the most elaborate water-weathered features in Ireland and has a rather grotesque, yet picturesque, appeal. It is built in a very unusual combination of a Palladian-style plan with grotto-like Gothic detailing and is more like a folly than a gate lodge. This structure must be one of the most unusual gate lodges in Ireland and is a quirky addition to the architectural heritage of Westmeath. It contrasts attractively with the rigid neoclassical form of Bracklyn House itself and forms part of an important group of structures associated with this demesne, along with the main house (15401405) and the mausoleum (15401406).

This does not grant access. Most recorded buildings are privately owned; view them only from public ground unless the owner allows entry.