The Kennels, 10 Drumgooland Road, Seaforde Demesne, Downpatrick, Co Down, BT30 8NT

The Kennels

A distinctive and compact hexagonal kennel block built in 1841, located on the west side of Drumgooland Road approximately one kilometre south-east of Seaforde village. The building is believed to have been inspired by the designs of the kennels of the Quorn Hunt in Leicestershire, England, which have since been demolished. This kennel is unique in Northern Ireland and is of very high quality.

The kennel block is hexagonal in plan with a hipped roof covered in natural blue-grey slate and topped with a small chimney stack at the apex. Cast iron rainwater goods are fitted throughout. The walls are constructed of random rubble and are whitewashed. The west face of the kennels is set back, eliminating the lower portion of the roof and revealing a two-storey section. A timber-sheeted door to a small tack room is centred on this face, with a plain three-pane fanlight above it. Directly above the door is a small date inscription plaque reading '1841'. To the first floor is a sash window with horizontal astragals. Each of the remaining five faces contains a 'lodge' door (each individual kennel section is called a 'lodge'), with the exception of the south-west face which has a window instead.

Outside each lodge is a run for the hounds, enclosed by walling that follows the hexagonal plan. At each corner of the enclosing walls is a circular stone pillar with a conical cap. Between the pillars are plain wrought iron railings. To the west the enclosing walls curve inward to a gate positioned directly in front of the tack room door. A small field enclosure to the south was used to allow the hounds to exercise. To the south-east a small bridge carries Drumgooland Road over a stream. A dry closet was constructed on the west parapet directly over the stream, though this has been removed recently.

Standing to the north of the kennel block is a small two-storey Huntsman's house, also built in 1841. It has a slated gabled roof and a general vernacular appearance. The windows now have modern frames and there is a small modern flat-roofed extension to the rear next to an older lean-to extension. To the right side of the front façade the building is abutted by a small single-storey stable.

The kennel was constructed in 1841 by the Forde family of Seaforde House. The listing extends to the kennels, Huntsman's house including stables and former byre, walling and gates.