
What is recorded here
Detached single-storey rendered former observatory, built c. 1850. Circular main structure without roof, pitched roof building to west, small circular brick structure to east, pitched roof house to north with two canted bay windows. Pitched slate roofs, transverse (telescope?) slot to west building, clay ridge tiles, moulded uPVC gutters, unpainted smooth-rendered flat-capped chimneystack, unpainted smooth-rendered walling, dressed stone coping to top of circular walls. Square-headed window openings, limestone sills, uPVC windows. Various plinths and podiums for scientific instruments. Located to north-east of Markree Castle, early weather station with wrought-iron boundary fence to south.
E J Cooper, a traveller and astronomer of note, built what was described as 'the most richly furnished of private observatories' at Markree. Though much of the original structures has been lost, some potentially important early remnants in the field of astronomy such as polished limestone pillars for holding instruments and a large plinth for a major telescope, remain.
This does not grant access. Most recorded buildings are privately owned; view them only from public ground unless the owner allows entry.
Places near here
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Photo: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage · Website use allowed for educational or private purposes with source credit