gates/railings/walls

Vernacular field gate, erected c. 1875, comprising a pair of rubble stone gate piers (on square-plan) with a pair of wrought-iron flat-bar gates having curved wrought-iron latch and curved wrought-iron finials. Cut stone stile located to the south of the south pier. Located adjacent to rural road a short distance to the north of Abbeyshrule.

This simple vernacular gateway retains much of its early character and form, despite some damage to the wrought-iron gate. The substantial and robust gate piers are a modest example of the vernacular tradition, constructed with local materials. This gateway is one of a number of vernacular field gates that survive in the Abbeyshrule area. Simple vernacular entrance gateways of this nature were once very common features of the rural landscape of Longford but are now becoming increasingly rare on account of clearance to accommodate modern agricultural needs and road widening schemes etc. Although construction was primarily functional, they exhibit visual appeal in the rural countryside. This gateway makes a pleasing roadside feature, adding appeal to its rural location to the north of Abbeyshrule. The cut stone stile to the south adds to the setting.