Icehouse, Near 239 Seacoast Road, Ballycarton, Magilligan, Limavady, Co Londonderry

This is a late 18th and early 19th century icehouse, likely built in connection with the fishing industry operating on the River Roe. It is of industrial archaeological interest.

The structure is a two-compartment brick-vaulted icehouse with walls constructed of rubble basalt, approximately 600mm thick. The first compartment measures approximately 3000mm wide by 3600mm deep, with a 1½ red brick vault springing at a height of 2100mm. Remains of wrought iron strap hinges are visible on the reveals of the entrance opening, likely having once supported gates. The ice storage compartment is the same width as the entrance and approximately 4000mm deep, with its brick vaulted roof springing at around 900mm higher. This compartment features a raised, kerbed hatch at the high point, used for loading ice. It is believed there was originally a division within the compartments to contain the ice and allow melting water to drain away. Both vault surfaces are finished with a thin cement screed.

The icehouse was used for ice storage to support the salmon fishery on the River Roe and is shown on the 1831 Ordnance Survey Sheet, located within the Bellarena estate lands. The ice may have been harvested from the River Roe or imported. The structure is situated in a large field approximately 100 metres from a nearby dwelling and farm buildings. Mr. Craig, a neighbour residing at 239 Seacoast Road, is a local reference.