outbuilding

Detached four-bay two-storey outbuilding, built c. 1860, and having single-storey extension to the east. Pitched corrugated metal roof with raised brick eaves course, and with rendered copings to gable ends. Pitched corrugated-metal roof to addition to the east. Coursed rubble stone walls. Square-headed window openings with stone sills and red brick reveals (now blocked). Round-headed doorways having red brick surrounds and voussoirs (now mostly blocked). Set at a right angle to the road alignment. Located in the rural countryside to the south-west of Raphoe.

This substantial two-storey outbuilding, of mid-to-late nineteenth century date, retains its original form and character. It is robustly constructed in local rubble stone masonry and its survival in relatively good condition is testament to their durability. The arcade-like series of three round-headed doorways to the north elevation is an interesting and distinctive feature that gives this outbuilding a strong presence in the rural landscape to the south-west of Raphoe. The red brick surrounds to the openings are typical of many utilitarian outbuildings of its type and date, and creates some modest tonal and textural variation to the main elevation. The scale of this outbuilding provides an interesting historical insight into the resources required to run and maintain even a modest landholding during the nineteenth century. This one of a number of large two-storey outbuildings in the area, which is marked by some of the best agricultural land in County Donegal, and is a modest addition to the built heritage of the local area. Sensitively restored, this building would make a strongly positive contribution to the local area.