Entrance gateway to Carrowdore Castle, Carrowdore Castle, Carrowdore, Ballyrawer, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2JH

The entrance gateway to Carrowdore Castle, built around 1818 by Nicholas de La Cherois-Crommelin, stands at the junction of Abbey Road and Woburn Road, northwest of the castle itself. The gateway is constructed from random basalt rubble with red brick dressings framing the openings. A tall, semicircular carriage arch, topped with a castellated parapet, forms the central feature. Flanking this are narrow castellated towers with recessed cross motifs and mock arrow loops. To either side of the carriage arch are semicircular arched pedestrian gates, also castellated, and joined to the remnants of single-storey, rectangular one-room sections with castellations. Each of these sections originally had a single window opening to the front (northwest), now blocked. The rear of these ‘box’ sections has been largely demolished. Rough cast plaster is still visible on the stonework. Simple, low wrought iron gates are present at all entrances, and are likely replacements. A low, curving castellated wall runs in front of the gate screen. The gateway is now in poor condition and shows signs of neglect. Originally, two small rooms flanked the gates, but these have been largely demolished. The listing covers the gates and entrance walling, and it exhibits architectural interest in its style, proportions, and ornamentation. It also holds local historical interest.