rectory/glebe/vicarage/curate's house, BEAUGREEN GLEBE · NIAH 40846002

Although now disused, this substantial and well-proportioned former Church of Ireland rectory retains its early form and much of its early character. Its architectural integrity is enhanced by the retention of much of its early fabric including timber sash windows and natural slate roof. The later porch projection to the front, probably added during the second half of the nineteenth century, hides a fine doorway with wide spoked fanlight over. 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. 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 residences, dating from the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries. This building is of social interest to the local area on account of its original intended function as a Church of Ireland rectory, and acts as an interesting historical reminder of the religious diversity in this part of Donegal during the time of construction. This building forms a pair of related sites along with the associated church of Ireland church to the north-east (see 40846005). However, this rectory is probably earlier than the church, which was built in 1826, and may have been originally associated with the now ruinous church located a short distance to the southwest in the townland of Killaghtee (not in survey; RMP DG098-013---) or an ‘old church’ which was located to the north side of the centre of Dunkineely village to the east (indicated on Ordnance Survey first edition six-inch map c. 1836). The complex of outbuildings to the north adds considerably to the setting and context of this site, and are appealing buildings in their own right. Of particular interest is the small single-storey outbuilding to the south-east which has a surviving stone roof. Although this rectory is now out of use, it represents an important element of the built heritage and social history of the Dunkineely area. Sensitively restored, this building would make a strongly positive contribution to the local rural area. This building was the home of the Revd. Joseph Welsh in 1846, the Revd. Matthew Moriarty in 1881, and the Revd. Ernest H Nunns in 1894 (All Slater's Directory). This building was apparently also in use as an Orange lodge (Killaghtee Orange lodge) during the 1880s, which was formed by the Revd. Moriarty. The lodge later moved to its present location in Darnley to the north-west in 1890 (see 40909812).