"The Stables", Hanna’s Close, 87-89 Aughnahoory Road, Kilkeel, Newry, Co. Down, BT34 4HF

"The Stables" is a two-storey barn and byre, with a single-bay front facing south, converted into a house. The building, dated 1820 to 1839, forms part of a significant vernacular clachan grouping, depicted on an Ordnance Survey map from 1834 and subsequent editions. It is aligned down a slope and overlooks the Kilkeel River.

The main structure is built of granite rubble, brought to courses, with a pitched natural slate roof featuring a blue clay ridge and a modern ventilator. Raised concrete verges extend from the roofline, and a flue projects from the rear pitch. Metal rainwater gutters drain to downpipes at the lower gable. A lean-to extension with a corrugated iron roof and raised concrete skews adjoins the right gable. The extension’s walls are wet-dashed and colour-washed, incorporating a single 1/1 sash window. The end wall of this extension is also rendered and incorporates a balanced flue.

The principal south-facing elevation features an entrance at the middle ground floor, with a granite threshold, smooth plastered reveals and a painted, vertically sheeted half door, illuminated by a bulkhead light. To the left is a small 2/2 sash window with exposed boxes, lacking a sill. The left gable contains a 3/3 sash window set into a former door opening, positioned at the level of the upper floor. The rear wall is blank.

Inside, details are not provided.

The site is enclosed by dry boulder granite walls, some original, some rebuilt, and some new, and includes a few important trees that contribute to the site's character. Access is provided by carriageways paved in quarry dust and edged with granite kerbstones, and walkways constructed of granite setts. The remaining open space is grassed with small flower beds. A number of gates are present, some old, others newly made to traditional designs. Each house has a specially designed cast metal plaque as part of the refurbishment. The building exhibits high architectural interest, enhanced by sympathetic alterations and its prominent setting. It also holds local historical interest and contributes to the group value of the clachan.