Culmore Tavern

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A single storey smooth rendered and painted building with slated roofs, projecting side entrance porch and rear return. The building has been much altered in recent times but retains the elevation to Culmore Road which is six bays long, low, with moulded, plastered, surrounds to doors and windows. One door of is retained with architraves. The doors and windows are painted black. Th wet dash render of the building was in the process of being repainted at the time of our visit.

An early type petrol pump stands at the south west corner of the building, now long disused.

Historical information

The building is shown in this location on OSS 1830 No. 14. When it became a public house has not been ascertained. At the beginning of the 20th century it belonged to Mr McCool, later McHale. The present owner acquired it 15 years ago. A complete renovation has been carried out to the building during his ownership. The building was gutted and extended to the rear. The roadside facade, gables, and petrol pump are the only historic fittings remaining. The bar originally operated as a traditional bar and grocery.

The petrol pump dates from c1920s.

References:
Primary Sources:
OSMap 1st Edition 1830 Co Londonderry 14
Historic Buildings grant application file.

Secondary Sources
Owner (1999)

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

The building has little architectural merit but is prominently located at the junction of Culmore Point Road with Culmore Road. At the time of the 1970 survey it had a romantic cottage appearance, the front was ivy clad with external seats. The petrol pump has historical value.