Water tower on Castle St

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Situated on the highest point in Rathfriland, on S side of Castle Street. Comprises two towers – the earlier is a square concrete tower over a base, and the later a tall concrete tower of inverted cone profile standing c.25m high.

1. Square tower

The square tank advances from four supporting concrete walls which enclose the space below; metal door in N face of wall, but otherwise devoid of openings. On N elevation are three pipes encased in timber. External two-stage vertical metal ladder to covered top, which has a single bar metal handrail around and manhole cover to access the water inside. Now disused.

2. Inverted cone tower

The reservoir surmounts a narrow stem 3.6m dia. Of cast-in situ reinforced concrete throughout, with marks of shuttering evident. Metal door at west side, with three lights above. Holds 158,000 gallons supplied from Spelga Dam (via Fofanny treatment works).

Historical information

The smaller tank was fed from Leitrim Reservoir near Hilltown (HB16/07/55) and is now disused.

The taller tank was erected in late 1970s and brought into commission in 1982 to replace the earlier water tank. It has a capacity of 0.718 megalitres.

Primary source:
1. Mr Brian Adair, Water Service Records, Marlborough House, Central Way, Craigavon.

Secondary sources:
1. M.H. Gould and R.C. Cox, ‘The water tower in Ireland’ (Proc Institution Engineers Ireland, forthcoming).
2. C.J. Horner, ‘A study of the uses of water towers in Northern Ireland’ (unpublished honours thesis, Dept Civil Engineering, Queen’s University, Belfast).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

The inverted cone tank is a well known landmark, visible for many miles around. Of the 11 water towers which supply the public in N. Ireland, this is the only one of this profile and construction.