house, TULLAGH (DUNAFF) · NIAH 40900307

This appealing and intact example of a vernacular house retains its early form and character, and is an appealing feature in the scenic rural landscape to the north-east of Clonmany, located close to the coast at Pollan Bay. Its integrity is enhanced by the retention of much of its salient fabric including timber sliding sash windows and battened timber door. Of particular interest in the survival of the thatch roof, although recently renewed, 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, as is the case here at Tullagh. Modest in scale, it exhibits the simple and functional form of vernacular building in Ireland. It retains some characteristic features of the vernacular tradition to the area, including a bed outshot to the rear, windbreak porch, and irregularly-spaced window openings. The low elongated form of this building, and the position of the chimneystacks, indicates that it was extended along its length (to the west) at some stage, which is another feature of extended vernacular tradition. The form of this building, having chimneystacks to the gable ends and a central doorway to the original building, suggests that this building is of the ‘direct entry’ type that is characteristic of the vernacular tradition in north-west Ireland. The three-over-three sash windows are a more sophisticated design than would usually be found in a vernacular house; windows of this type are common in the north end of Inishowen, particularly around Carndonagh, which suggests a regional tradition or local fashion. The interesting collection of single-storey outbuildings with barrel-vaulted tarred felt roofs add significantly to the setting, and are interesting survivals in there own rights. 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.