Vernacular Architecture of Monaghan Town

Alma House (1979)

Located at Number 17, The Diamond, Monaghan Town centre. Alma house is a three-storeyed granite bulding with a very fine curved corner, and most glazing bars intact. It is located on the north side of the Diamond. The Diamond itself provides a focus and centre for the town.

Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum

Alma House (1979)
Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum

Alma House (1979)

Located at Number 17, The Diamond, Monaghan Town centre. Alma house is a three-storeyed granite bulding with a very fine curved corner, and most glazing bars intact. It is located on the north side of the Diamond. The Diamond itself provides a focus and centre for the town.

Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum

Enlarge image

Monaghan town has many unique features which at first glance may seem incidental, like the rounded corners which are scattered throughout the town, and the use of stone from local quarries as a building material. The architectural layout of the town itself is remarkable in comparisson to most other northern towns. Each of these features will be looked at individually, however as an introduction to the vernacular architecture of Monaghan town let us first look at a selection of a photographs which show some of these features - "The Light of Other Days" photographic collection.

The Light of Other Days Photographic Collection

18th century house, Old Cross Square (1979)

This black and white photograph shows a pleasant two storey 18th century small house of random rubble, with brick relieving arches and glazing bars. Located on Old Cross square,

Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum

18th century house, Old Cross Square (1979)
Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum

18th century house, Old Cross Square (1979)

This black and white photograph shows a pleasant two storey 18th century small house of random rubble, with brick relieving arches and glazing bars. Located on Old Cross square,

Permission to reproduce this photograph kindly granted by Monaghan County Museum

Enlarge image

In 1979 Monaghan County Museum was involved in a photographic survey of the county entitled 'The Light Of Other Days'. The work was carried out by members of Monaghan Camera Club and was financed by An Taisce (The National Trust).

The work reflects the importance of photographs to museums, and has also been used to compliment the local history material of the County Library. Since the camera came into common use in the mid-19th Century lenses have recorded the passing scene with an eye that never fails and always fascinates. Today, photographs are a very important source for the local historian. 'The Light Of Other Days' photographic collection captures in fine detail the vernacular architectural features of Monaghan town. We can clearly see the various squares and the Diamond, the prevalence of softly rounded corners to which Brett (1979) refers and the use of local stone as a building material.

Bibliography

Brett, C.E.B (1970) Historic Buildings, Groups Of Buildings, Areas Of Architectural Importance In The Town Of Monaghan Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and An Taisce, County Monaghan Branch; Ireland

Dunne, Mildred and Brian Phillips (1999) The Courthouses Of Ireland Heritage Council; Kilkenny

Cavan Monaghan Rural Development Co-op Society Ltd (2000) A Heritage guide to the Cavan-Monaghan Region and surrounding counties Cavan Monaghan Rural Development Co-op Society Ltd; Ireland