The Grove in Dungarvan

Detached three-bay single-storey Tudor-style building, c.1850, on an L-shaped plan possibly originally school or presbytery/rectory with single-bay single-storey mono-pitched projecting bay to left. Now in residential use. Pitched slate roof (gablet over door opening; mono-pitched to projecting bay) with clay ridge tiles, rendered and red brick Running bond chimney stacks, cut-stone coping to gables, and iron rainwater goods on squared rubble stone eaves. Random rubble stone walls (probably originally rendered) with rectangular recessed panel under gablet, and cut-stone shield panel to gable to side (north) elevation. Square-headed window openings (one in segmental-headed recess having red brick voussoirs) with cut-stone sills, rendered block-and-start surrounds over red brick block-and-start surrounds having keystones, and two-over-two timber sash windows. Square-headed door opening with cut-limestone surround having chamfered reveals, and timber panelled door. Set back from line of road in own grounds perpendicular to road.

A picturesque small-scale building enlivened by the muted Tudor-style characteristics enhancing the architectural value of the composition. Having been reasonably well maintained the presentation of an early aspect with the essential attributes in place together with most of the original fabric makes a positive impression on the visual appeal of an historic setting. Of uncertain original function the position close to both the old Catholic church (not included in survey) and the Church of Ireland church (12312002/KK-24-13-02) suggests that the building originally accommodated either a school or an ecclesiastical residence, thereby compounding the importance of the site in the architectural heritage of Dungarvan.