Mac Murrough Cottage

Detached three-bay single-storey farmhouse with half-dormer attic, extant 1887, on a cruciform plan centred on single-bay full-height gabled projecting breakfront; single-bay (single-bay deep) full-height central return (east). Occupied, 1901; 1911. Reroofed, ----. Replacement pitched artificial slate roof on a cruciform plan centred on pitched (gabled) artificial slate roof (breakfront), clay ridge tiles centred on paired red brick Running bond battered chimney stacks having stringcourses below moss-covered capping supporting terracotta pots, chevron- or saw tooth-detailed timber bargeboards to gables on timber purlins with timber finials to apexes, and cast-iron rainwater goods on exposed timber rafters retaining cast-iron downpipes. Part creeper- or ivy-covered rendered, ruled and lined walls with rusticated rendered quoins to corners. Square-headed central window openings (breakfront) with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing timber casement (ground floor) or six-over-six timber sash (half-dormer attic) windows. Square-headed opposing door openings ("cheeks"), timber doorcases with panelled pilasters on cut-granite step thresholds supporting "Cyma Recta"- or "Cyma Reversa"-detailed cornices on panelled consoles, and concealed dressings framing timber panelled doors. Square-headed window openings in bipartite arrangement with cut-granite sills, timber mullions, and concealed dressings framing four-over-four timber sash windows. Square-headed window openings (side elevations) with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing six-over-six timber sash windows. Interior including (ground floor): central hall retaining carved timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors; and carved timber surrounds to door openings to remainder framing timber panelled doors with carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled shutters. Set in landscaped grounds with wrought iron piers to perimeter supporting looped wrought iron double gates.

A farmhouse representing an integral component of the domestic built heritage of the rural environs of New Ross with the architectural value of the composition confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on scenic vistas overlooking rolling grounds; the compact plan form centred on an expressed breakfront showing angular doorcases recalling contemporary shopfronts in South Street (see 15605124 - 15605127); the definition of the principal "apartments" or reception rooms by bipartite glazing patterns; and the decorative timber work embellishing the roof. Having been well maintained, the elementary form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior, thus upholding the character or integrity of a farmhouse having historic connections with the Alexander family including Stewart Arthur Alexander (d. 1887), 'Gentleman Farmer late of MacMurrough Cottage County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1888, 6); and Arthur John Alexander (----), 'Farmer' (NA 1901; NA 1911).