Ice House at Carnfunnock Country Park

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A circular structure with domical roof, built of basalt rubble and assorted other stones, with red brick used in the segmental-arched entrance and for the vault of the roof. Partly built into the slope of the hill, there are weeds growing on the roof at present where some of the outer stone and mortar covering is missing and the brickwork has been revealed.

SETTING: The building stands in a very rural location, within the grounds of a country park. It is situated on an elevated site, set into the slope of a grassy hill with mature trees in the immediate vicinity. Approached by the tarmac path of the country park and marked by a signboard.

Historical information

Built for James Agnew of Carncastle Lodge to serve his residence which was built at the same time but which was later demolished, in 1937, leaving only the nearby farm buildings and the two gate lodges on the main road (Ref nos. HB06/03/003 and 004) and this ice house as reminders of the original estate. Now part of Larne Borough Council's Country Park. The year of construction is not recorded but it appears on the second OS map of 1857 and may be dated to c. 1850.

References - Primary

1. OS Map 1857, Co Antrim 35.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

E. Spatial Organisation
F. Structural System
I. Quality and survival of Interior
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest
Z. Rarity

Evaluation

This is a good and intact example of a mid-nineteenth century domestic ice house, which is particularly accessible to view owing to its free-standing nature and its location in what has now become a Country Park.