Donegal County Council

This impressive large-scale county hall, probably originally dating to the mid-to-late nineteenth century but possibly containing earlier fabric, retains much of its original form and character despite recent alterations, and the construction of modern extensions to the rear and adjoining to the south-west. Its visual expression is enhanced by the retention of salient fabric such as the natural slate roof and timber panelled doors, and while the window fittings having been replaced the modern additions are in keeping with the fabric of the building and fail to detract substantially from its appeal and integrity. This building is well-proportioned and classically composed with an attractive and prominent pedimented Tuscan doorcase that provides an attractive central focus. The front elevation is enlivened by the smooth rendered detailing including architraved surrounds to the window openings, rendered cornice stringcourse, quoins, and by the verge to either end with kneeler stones to eaves with gabled faces over. This is one of the more impressive buildings surrounding the Diamond to the centre of Lifford, and is an integral element of the built heritage of the local area. It is also of social merit on account of being the county hall since the second half of the nineteenth century. This may be the building at Lifford that was altered or largely rebuilt in 1868 to designs by William Harte (c. 1825-95), County Surveyor of Donegal at the time. These alterations included turning a kitchen into a meeting room, construction of a new kitchen, stables amongst other works. The main contractor involved was the firm Hutchinson and Colhoun of Derry. Harte also carried out work at the former County Gaol (demolished), which lay to the east side of the Diamond, and at the old courthouse (see 40835006) where he created new offices for the county clerk, secretary, sheriff, and county surveyor. This building may represent the c. 1870 remodelling of an earlier building to site, which was in use as a reformatory known as the house of correction where young ‘vagabonds, pickpockets, beggars, and idle apprentices’ were sent for punishment\correction. It was also apparently in use as a temporary military barracks by the British Army from c. 1900 until the start of World War I in 1914.