Markree Deer Park Gate Pillars, Collooney, Co. Sligo
In The Gate Lodges of Connaught : a gazetteer J.A.K Dean writes
‘Secreted away in woodland is this singular lodge and its unique gate pillars, inset into the bases of which are beautifully chiselled sandstone honey skeps, above which rise columns in the form of bound bundles of rods topped by a cast-iron axe, or fasces.’
The lodge has been modified but is still extant and so are the gate pillars. However they are suffering from cracking due to iron cramps and are in need of conservation. The Follies Trust have applied successfully to the Heritage Council for a grant to undertake remedial work under the guidance of Wendy Lyons, local Conservation Consultant.
More details here in our flyer on the gate lodges.
Work commenced in July 2022:
SUPPORTED BY THE HERITAGE COUNCIL UNDER THE COMMUNITY HERITAGE GRANT SCHEME 2022
Site visit by Follies Trust on 14th November 2022
Photos show gate piers reinstated after completion of conservation work. The gate lodge owners ( pictured) are delighted as is the Conservation Consultant, Wendy Lyons.
The Follies Trust trustees and supporters are very pleased that the conservation work has been successfully completed. A sign will shortly be erected on site acknowledging the financial support of the Heritage Council of Ireland, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the owners of the gate lodge and gate piers.
Lecture on The Beehive Gate Pillars
In February 2023 we had a lecture on the history and conservation of the pillars at the Sligo Field Club which you can view in this video.