house, TAMUR (BONNYGLEN) · NIAH 40908301

Despite being now uninhabited, this charming thatched vernacular house retains its early form and character and is an appealing feature in the rural landscape to the south-east of Ardara. Modest in scale, it exhibits the simple and functional form of vernacular building in Ireland. The integrity and visual appeal of this building is enhanced by the retention of much of its early fabric including timber sliding sash windows. Of particular interest in the survival of the thatched roof, which is now sadly becoming increasingly rare in Donegal. The rounded roof is a typical feature of thatched houses located close to the sea in exposed areas in the north-west of Ireland, while the pegs to the eaves were used to tie ropes (and sometimes nets) over the roof to secure it against the prevailing winds. The pronounced raised verge to the gable end gives this particular vernacular house a distinct appearance. The form of this building having chimneystacks to the south-west gable end suggests that this building is of the ‘direct entry’ type that is characteristic of the vernacular tradition in north-west Ireland. The location of the chimneystacks and the main doorway also indicates that this building was extended to the north-east at some stage. The irregular-spacing of the openings to the front façade lends it an appealing vernacular character. The blank rear elevation is a typical feature of many small-scale vernacular dwellings in rural Ireland, while the bed outshot to the rear is a feature that is found on many vernacular buildings in Donegal and was used to house a bed adjacent to the hearth for warmth. This house represents a fine surviving example of a once ubiquitous building type in the rural Irish countryside, and is a valuable addition to the vernacular heritage of County Donegal. The survival of the thatched rubble stone outbuilding to site adds considerably to the context and setting, and is a significant structure in its own right.