Gates in Ratharney

Vernacular field gate, erected c. 1875, comprising a pair of rubble stone gate piers (on circular-plan) having a wrought-iron flat-bar gate with horizontal bars and two diagonally-set support bars to the centre. Road-fronted to the southwest of Legan and 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. Gate piers on a circular-plan are a North Leinster tradition and many examples can be found in Longford, Westmeath and Meath. There is another example (13402319) just to the north of this site. 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.