Lion in Mote Park, Co. Roscommon

There are a number of entrances to the former Mote Park estate in County Roscommon. One which has survived largely intact is called the Lion Gate because of the fine lion which stands over its limestone archway. JAK Dean writes that while ‘discourteously displaying its rear to visitors, it addresses the park as a splendid eyecatcher for the house,’ (The Gate Lodges of Connaught: a gazetteer)

The Roscommon Heritage Group have undertaken several projects in the estate and for this scheme they worked with Roscommon County Council, the Irish Georgian Society and the Follies Trust.

The lion was in a sad state – it had bees in its belly and its legs were badly cracked. It was carefully removed from the archway, transported to the Coade workshop in England, repaired and then returned to its archway.