As a rule the focus of architectural heritage is on historic properties with a distinguished, and traceable, pedigree. An unintended consequence of this approach is that across the country the fate of many secondary, vernacular buildings is overlooked and they are permitted to fall into ruin. Many of these, however, have their own inherent beauty even if not always so obviously apparent. Here are two views of an old rubble stone barn in County Meath. Like thousands of others it is entirely functional, even mundane and yet possessed of a distinctive character that deserves to be cherished.
The walls seem to be much thicker than needed for a barn. That, combined with the slit window suggests it was built to store something that needed to be protected from too much light and very high or low temperatures. Could it have been used to store grain?
By the way, your pictures are very high quality. What camera do you use?
Christopher
Dear Christopher,
The windows on the other side are much bigger – hence the pools of sunlight reflected on the walls. I think they are narrow on this side because there is a lane on the other side which gets little light (and therefore is inclined to damp). But of course you could well be right (agricultural outbuildings aren’t my strong suit…)
As for the photographs, thank you for your kind remark. It may come as a surprise to you to learn that I take everything with an old iPhone 4: it strikes me that the greatest skill one requires (aside from a decent eye) is a steady hand!