Gatehouse

The National Monuments Service's description

On the S bank of the River Fergus at the W end of Ennis Historic town (CL033-082----). According to Ó Dálaigh (2017, 92) a gatehouse may have stood in Mill Street (now Parnell Street) prior to the 17th century, controlling entry to the town from the west. Entry was controlled elsewhere by other gatehouses (see CL033-082033- and CL033-082001-) and by natural features such as rivers and marshes. Documentary sources (Corporation Book of Ennis, 1752, p. 268) reveal an order to demolish a ruined building adjacent to a ‘Mr. Kent’s’ house. This Mr. Francis Kent is recorded as a resident of Ennis in 1683 and served on the Corporation. The reference states ‘We find and present that the old ruined houses in Mill Street, near Mr. Kent’s, are in such a dangerous situation in several parts thereof, that not only the neighbours living near it, but travellers and other persons walking in the street by said buildings are in danger. We therefore find that all that part of the said old ruined building that appears to be in danger, be pulled down at the expense of the inhabitants of Mill Street.’ Ó Dálaigh postulates that people would have been living over the arch of a gatehouse, hence the mention of the plural ‘houses’ and ‘buildings’ and the implication that falling masonry would be an issue. The singular ‘building’ is then used to describe a discrete building. The location of Mr. Kent’s 18th-century house is verified through references made in 1756 to the repair of ‘Connell’s Lane’ (now Fahy’s Lane) opposite his house. It is clear that there was a 17th century (or earlier) building at this location. It's nature however is not definite. A gateway here would be compatible with the streetscape of the time and would complete a possible line of defense between the Gaol Street (O'Connell St.) gatehouse (CL033-082033-) and the river. (Ó Dálaigh 2017, 91-4)

Compiled by: Mary Tunney

Date of upload: 3 July 2018

References

Ó Dálaigh, B. 2017 Medieval Ennis: Gate houses, laneways and water courses. The Other Clare 41, 91-4.