Window detail, former Presentation Convent, Carlow

The former Presentation Convent is situated at the junction of Tullow Street with College Street. The prominent Gothic Revival window consists of a two-tiered arrangement of stained glass. These tiers are divided by a stone tripartite panel with carved detail. The window has perpendicular tracery with angel lights on either side of the central panes of the upper and lower tiers. It also features a hood mould overhead and block and start dressing on either side. The stained glass is for the most part of simple geometric design throughout.

Workhouse Railings in use in a Carlow garden

Railings from the old workhouse in Carlow now being used in a private garden.

© Peter Walker

Railway station, Bagenalstown

The design for the Railway station at Bagenalstown (Muinebheag) is attributed to William Deane Butler (d. 1857). It is constructed in limestone and granite. The design incorporates a central block with pedimented breakfront, linking arcades and projecting terminal bays. The station platforms have an open shelter resting on paired granite ashlar piers. The station resembles an Italianate Palladian type building.

Carlow County Library

Oak Park House - rear view

Oak Park Estate now Teagasc Research Institute is situated about two miles from the centre of Carlow town. The photograph shows the rear of the house which looks towards the gardens. On this side the house had three central windows and single-storeyed bow windows to either side. These were situated on the ground floor and were balustraded. To the left of the entrance were found the service wing and the offices.

Carlow County Library

Oak Park Arch, Oak Park (Painestown), Carlow

The Arch, Oak Park, Carlow William Vitruvius Morrison (1794-1838) William Vitruvius Morrison also designed the entrance gate to Oak Park House and demesne. It remains to this day a magnificent example of a Triumphal Arch. The arch is flanked by paired Ionic columns on the front elevation with Doric columns on the back flank of the Arch. The columns are raised on pedestals. Both sides of the Arch carry a full entablature. On the approach from the Carlow side, is a carriage turn surrounded by a high granite wall.

Carlow County Library

Oak Park Arch detail

Architectural detail from the Triumphal Arch at Oakpark. It depicts the upper portion of one set of twin columns with architrave and moulding. The arch also features a dentil, a series of closely spaced rectangular blocks beneath the corona and cornice. The Ionic columns feature volutes which are typical of the style, and plain shafts. The twin columns flank the archway leading to the main entrance drive of Oakpark House former home of the Bruen Family.

Carlow County Library

Gaol specifications 1827

The Gaol Specifications for Carlow Gaol by the architect John B. Keane date from 1827. They relate to the "several works" to be executed in building the additions and improvements to the Gaol of Carlow. This extract from what is an extensive and detailed document relates to the excavation of earthwork, including sinkings for a basement storey and area of the Governor's house. The architect also details works for the substructure of the prison building and sewers and refers to insulated walls and buildings. The former Carlow gaol is now a shopping centre having also been an engineering works owned by Thompsons. It occupies a prominent site with its main entrance being from Kennedy Avenue near its junction with Barrack Street.

Carlow County Library

Dunleckney Manor, Bagenalstown, County Carlow

Dunleckney Manor, Bagenalstown, County Carlow is the subject of this sepia photograph by E. F Barton c. 1870. It shows the main avenued approach to Dunleckney Manor. This house was the ancient seat of the Bagenals of Idrone. In 1660 Dudley Bagenal regained his father's estate which had been earlier confiscated because of the part played by Sir Walter in he Confederate War. Dudley supported King James at the Battle of the Boyne and lost the estate again but it was later regained by Dudley's son Walter in 1712. In 1785 Sarah Bagenal heiress of the Bagenal Estate married Philip Newton of Bennekerry. In circa 1850 the house was renovated by the architect Daniel Robertson in the Tudor style.

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