Fountain in Heronstown

Round-plan pit of former fountain, built c. 1860, having rendered surround, encircled by mature yew trees. Now disused and dry.

Benjamin Lee Guinness and his brother Arthur bought Thornhill Estate in 1835, renaming it St. Ann's, after the holy well which overlooked the Naniken River. The estate was considerably expanded by Benjamin and his successor, Arthur Edward Guinness, Lord Ardilaun. Benjamin Lee undertook extensive landscaping work, and constructed several classical and rustic follies to enhance the gardens. This feature originally constituted a moulded marble basin, set within the existing pit, with a central marble statue and basin, surrounded by a well-kept yew hedge that had round-headed openings, one of which provided a vista into the adjacent walled garden. Now overgrown and derelict, it is a reminder of the carefully considered design which was employed to create a nineteenth century pleasure garden. The fountain would have been of technical interest, with an early water pump mechanism in use.