Stables to East, Finnebrogue estate farmyard, at 31 Killyleagh Road, Finnebrogue, Downpatrick, Co Down, *** See general comments

Stables to East, Finnebrogue Estate Farmyard

This simple stone-built former stable block forms an integral part of the large Finnebrogue estate farmyard complex, which was constructed in various stages from perhaps the 1790s to the mid 20th century. The building has group value with other listed structures within the estate.

The stables are a single-storey rectangular structure comprising six bays. The walls are constructed of stone random rubble, and the roof is clad in natural blue and black slate laid in a ventilated pattern with a zinc ridge capping. Evidence of guttering remains, though the guttering itself is missing.

The western-facing front façade contains six stables, each with a rectangular door opening and a square window. All openings are finished with red brick segmental heads. The windows are fitted with strong timber frames and vertical iron bars spaced at four-inch centres. The door openings have timber frames, though the doors themselves are no longer present. Both gables are plain rubble walls without openings. The eastern rear wall is similarly plain rubble without openings.

A stone wall is connected to the south wall and partially encloses a large open area. To the rear, the hillside has been excavated to create a six-metre level yard, which is enclosed by steep banking on three sides.

The building was first recorded on the Ordnance Survey map of 1901, indicating that it was constructed between 1859 and 1901. Documentary evidence from the Finnebrogue estate records, held at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, shows that various periods of development occurred across the farmyard complex. The complex as a whole appears to have been developed as a 'model' farmyard, possibly from around 1795 to 1800 following the refurbishing of Finnebrogue House itself. The estate was sold to the present owner circa 1990–91, since which time some farm buildings have been adapted for use as stores.