Extraordinary to see that this gate lodge at Clonleigh, County Donegal has been left to fall into dereliction. Set at an oblique angle to the road, it formerly marked the entrance to an estate and since-demolished house owned by a branch of the Knox family. Single storey with an attic storey lit by shamrock motif windows, the building is faced in uncoursed rubble with dressed stone employed around the doors and windows. Thought to date from the mid-19th century, the lodge may have been designed by Welland and Gillespie, architects for the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, who in 1863 were carrying out extensive works at the Church of Ireland church and parish hall in nearby Lifford: this would explain its decidedly church-like appearance. Harder to explain is why such a fine little house should stand unoccupied and threatened with ruin.
The Irish Aesthete is generously supported by
This gem is an ideal project for the Irish Landmark Trust, or for a local authority project!
There is no reason why it couldn’t be renovated for €150k by a private individual. It would take a land purchase and some dedication. Perhaps Donegal people prefer new houses??
What a shame
Perhaps it may have something to do with that so often kiss of death word , “listed” ?
How quickly it has decayed from when these photos were taken.
https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/40907120/clonleigh-house-gortgranagh-co-donegal
It appears to have been lived in in the not too distant past given the electrical connection. This would be the most charming cottage!
Another sweet cottage going to waste.