Loreto Convent — Longford Road

Detached nine-bay two-storey convent school, built in 1881 and altered c.1920, having a projecting gable-fronted two-bay two-storey section (with attic level) to the west side of the main façade (south) and a projecting single-bay two-storey canted projection to the centre of the main façade containing the main entrance to the original block. Numerous later extensions to the rear (north) and to the west. Steeply pitched natural slate roof with decorative courses of scalloped and coloured slates, projecting eaves supported on cut stone brackets and moulded ashlar limestone chimneystacks. Cut stone cross finial over gable apex of advanced block to the west end. Hipped natural slate roof over entrance block. Rendered walls over chamfered limestone plinth with flush cut stone quoins to the corners of projecting sections. Pointed-arched window openings to the main body of building at ground floor level having flush ashlar limestone block-and-start surrounds, cut stone Y-tracery, stone sills and replacement windows. Pointed-arched window openings over at first floor with flush ashlar limestone block-and-start surrounds, cut stone sills and replacement windows. Square-headed openings to advanced block to the west having replacement fittings. Tripartite pointed-arch former doorway to front face of canted projection having flush ashlar limestone block-and-start surround and pointed arched sidelights. Now infilled with modern window. Three graded lancet openings over former doorway having cut stone surrounds and diamond pane windows. Former main doorway flanked to either side by clasping ashlar limestone buttresses with a carved coat of arms over, above doorway. Convent is set back from road in extensive mature grounds with a rubble stone boundary wall to the south, iron railings to site and a graveyard (15310153) to the southwest. Located to the north end of Mullingar Town centre.