Old Boat House

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

The remains of the Old Boat House set to the SE of the Summer House (HB12/02/006). Walls are rubble stone brought to courses with large semi-elliptical opening with finely dressed stone to SE (lake) face.

Historical information

Although this building is not depicted on the OS 6” maps until 1907, it is probably of late 18th century date, having been erected by John Crichton, first Earl of Erne, around the same time that he erected Inisherk Lodge and settled (during the summer months) on Inisherk Island (the original castle having burned down in 1764). The remains would appear to have been consolidated into a mock-folly landscape feature during the later 1800s, possibly after the level of the lake was lowered in the 1880s.

Primary sources:
1. OS 6" map, 3rd edition, 1907, Co Fermanagh sheet 39 (PRONI OS 6/4/39/3).

Secondary sources:
1. Terence Reeves-Smyth, Crom Castle Demesne (National Trust, 1990).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Although in a ruinous condition, the remains reflect the early development of the estate in the late 1700s, and again in the late 1800s. It also forms a pleasant landscape feature and is an integral part of the estate’s building stock.

General comments

This record was previously numbered HB12/02/007.