Gate Lodge

Gate lodges form an important part of the attendant structures within a demesne. These houses were built at the entrance to estates containing castles, large houses, religious institutions, and industrial centres. Today many have been converted for use as private dwellings. The key to the gate lodge's appeal is the individuality of each building. Many were built by the best architects of the day. There are lodges that are literally miniature fairytale castles and others that have the appearance of theatrical Gothic follies. Even the plainer lodges are likely to have additions such as finials and cresting on the ridge of the roof. The gate lodge at Portumna Castle is a detached three-bay single-story former gate lodge, built c.1860, now designated for a tourist office. Pitched slate roof with red brick and dressed limestone chimneystack with half-hexagon plan ends and chamfered limestone plinth, cut limestone copings, and eaves course, terracotta ridge crestings, and cast-iron rainwater goods. Reticulated dressed limestone walls. Square-headed window openings with chamfered limestone reveal, sloping stone sills, block-and-start surrounds, carved label-moldings, and triple-light timber casement windows with Tudor arch top panes. Pointed arch door opening with carved chamfered surround, hood-molding, timber battened door, and limestone step and threshold. Entrance gates to the east side at the head of the avenue leading to the former farm courtyard of Castle.