Kilcommock Rectory

This well-proportioned former Church of Ireland rectory retains its early form, character and fabric. This building is an example of the language of classical architecture stripped to its barest fundamental elements, which creates a fine dwelling in a subtle style. This is exhibited through features such as the rigid symmetry to the main elevation, the central doorway, the diminishing window openings and centrally placed chimneystacks. The three-bay two-storey form is typical of Church of Ireland rectory buildings (particularly built by the Board of First Fruits), and many middle class gentleman’s residences, dating from the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century. The projecting brick porch to the front elevation may be a later addition, perhaps added during the mid-to-late nineteenth century. This porch is unusual in that it has doors to two elevations, which are reached by flights of cut stone steps. The cast-iron railings to the east side of the porch add an element of artistic interest to the main elevation. This building is of social interest to the local community as a former Church of Ireland rectory. The location of this former rectory and the associated outbuildings suggests that it was originally associated with the now ruinous church (13402211) to the southwest and that it predates the construction of the Church of Ireland church (13313025) at Keenagh to the north (built in 1832). It was altered or rebuilt c. 1827 at a cost of £784, of which £692 was a loan, and £92 a gift from the Board of First Fruits (Irish Parliamentary Returns 1837). This rectory forms part of a pair of related sites along with the associated outbuildings (13402209), and part of a notable group of related structures along with the fine Church of Ireland church at Keenagh (13313025) to the north and the ruinous church (13402211) to the southwest. Situated in attractive mature grounds, this building is an integral element of the built heritage of the local area. The simple but appealing wrought-iron gates to the north complete the setting. It is possible that this rectory originally dates to 1795 (documentary source). It was described by Lewis (1837) as being in the patronage of the Archbishop of Tuam, and having a glebe of 173 acres. It was possibly the residence of a Benjamin Cronin/Cronyn between 1827 – 1832. It was described as the ‘the property of the Revd. G. Britton, held by a deed for ever,’ c. 1835 (O’Donovan Letters), the residence of the Rev. J. Armstrong and Rev. K. Lyons c. 1854 (Griffith’s Valuation), the home of Rev. Robert James Card in 1881 (Slater’s Directory), and the residence of Rev. William Welwood in 1894 (Slater’s Directory).