folly

Folly, built c. 1860, comprising segmental arch set within rubble stone wall, flanked by segmental arches to walls, set perpendicular to central arch to form U-plan. Rubble and cobble limestone and sandstone to walls. Two flights of nosed granite steps to west of arch, forming part of pathway to site of Saint Ann's house (no longer extant). Situated on elevated site overlooking entrance to Dublin Bay, accessed via splayed flights of rubble stone steps.

The steps to the west of this structure led towards the rear of St. Ann's, providing access to the glazed conservatory. The arches to the north and south were intended to frame views towards Howth and the Dublin mountains, respectively, although they are now largely enclosed by trees and overgrowth. This folly provides an interesting focal point on the landscape and is part of a group of rustic follies constructed at the behest of Benjamin Lee Guinness, as part of his landscaping of St. Ann's estate. It is representative of the nineteenth-century penchant for creating a sense of romance through the construction of sham ruins and follies in demesne landscapes, as well as creating vistas to and from the main house. Guinness, along with his brother Arthur, purchased the then Thornhill Estate in 1835, renaming it St. Ann's after a nearby ancient holy well. Benjamin later bought Arthur's share and considerably expanded the estate through several land acquisitions over the following decades. The collection of structures at St. Ann’s makes an important contribution to the built heritage of the area.