Salthill House

Single-bay single-storey former folly or summerhouse on circular-plan associated with Salt Hill, built c. 1820. Now in use as a decorative garden structure. No roof; decorative red brick eaves course. Rubble stone construction. Pointed-arch window opening having roughly squared surrounds/voussoirs. Pointed-arch door opening having roughly squared surrounds/voussoirs. Set back from road in attractive mature landscaped grounds to the east of the main house. Located a short distance to the north-west of the shoreline of Donegal Bay, and to the south-west of Mountcharles.

This simple garden structure forms part of an interesting group of structures associated with Salt Hill (see 40909909). The pointed-arch openings lend it a muted Gothic architectural character that is typical of many buildings of its type in Ireland. This garden structure was probably originally built as a summerhouse or gazebo, providing a decorative feature in the ornamental gardens/grounds of the demesne, and acting as a place to rest and enjoy the views during walks etc. Structures of this nature were an important design feature in many of the larger demesnes in Ireland dating from the mid-eighteenth to the mid-nineteenth centuries. This simple rubble stone structure is now maintained as an attractive ‘ruin’ with the well-maintained modern gardens of the house, and is an integral element of the built heritage of the local area.