Gatehouse

The National Monuments Service's description

Located on the E-facing slope of the Hill of Slane, and c. 7m E of the College (ME019-060008-). This is a masonry structure (dims 3.8m N-S; 3.05m E-W) with an entrance passage (int. Wth 1.9m) through it. There are two draw-bar sockets on each pier inside the outer end of the passage, and there are the remnants of a newel stairs in the S pier. Externally, there is a coped plinth (H 1.5m) on the E face of each pier, and a string course above as well as the springing of an arch. The passage of the gatehouse is aligned with the passage through the E range of the College, allowing direct access to the cloister, although it might have been built with the tower house (ME019-060007-) as an entrance to a small bawn.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 10 July 2007
Amended: 28 January 2021