The White Water Gates, Mourne Park, Adj. to 276 Newry Road, Kilkeel, Newry, Co Down, BT34 4SD

The White Water Gates form a beautifully detailed and proportioned entrance to Mourne Park, located adjacent to 276 Newry Road, Kilkeel. They are associated with the nearby lodge (listed separately as HB16/05/007B) and create a principal entrance from the Newry Road.

The gates and screens are neo-classical in style and date to between 1840 and 1859, based on mapping evidence. An 1834 map does not show gates at this location, but an 1859 edition map shows the screens. The central pair of gates are made of wrought iron with cast iron detailing, featuring dog bars and a decorative quatrefoil frieze. Alternate dog bars rise between the quatrefoils, culminating in cast iron spearheads at the top of each gate. The top rail of each gate sweeps upward to meet the piers. Decorative wrought iron scrollwork marks the meeting rail of both gates. Each gate pier has a moulded ashlar plinth and six courses of ashlar work, topped by a full entablature including a tall fluted frieze and an overhanging moulded cornice.

Flanking the gates are wrought iron screens, mirroring the gate design but without the swept tops. Each screen incorporates a central pedestrian gate flanked by fixed railings, and are supported by piers matching those of the gates. To the right of the screens, a convex sweep of rubble granite walling with a dressed coping terminates against a square ashlar pier with a plain pyramid cap, beyond which the main boundary wall continues (listed separately as HB16/05/066). A corresponding pier to the left is met by a lower, later rubble wall. The gates are now permanently blocked.

The listing includes the gates, piers, screens, and flanking walls. The site’s architectural interest lies in its style, proportion, ornamentation, plan form, setting, and group value, and it holds local historical interest.