16 February, 2016

Robertson School House

The 8th stop on the Heritage Trail


This former schoolhouse is located on St Catherine’s Road, and is one of the few 19th century buildings in Killybegs which has retained it’s original appearance. It was erected in 1819 as
the first formal school in Killybegs, and served as the only school for that
part of the town until 1842.  The school is to a standard design,  having the schoolroom on the first floor which is accessed by a stone staircase on the gable, and living accommodation below for the teacher and family. The garden surrounding the school provided vegetables for the table. It was later used as Methodist Meeting House.  Today it is in private ownership.  It was established by the Church of Ireland authorities with grant aid  from Bible Societies and the
Robertson Fund.

Courtesy of the Maritime & Heritage Centre Brochure

10 comments:

  1. It looks a little austere Bill, just like I imagine a school way back then to look. I wonder if the new owners will restore it and soften the appearance a bit.

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  2. It looks a little austere Bill, just like I imagine a school way back then to look. I wonder if the new owners will restore it and soften the appearance a bit.

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  3. A very interesting concept to have living quarters for the teacher!

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  4. I wouldn't have imagined this was once a school!

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  5. I like it. I wouldn't have thought it to be a school once either.

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  6. It certainly has been well taken care of! Lovely building and how convenient it must have been for the teacher and family to be able to live so close.

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  7. Neat looking building! I don't think I've seen one here with housing upstairs.

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  8. I'm fascinated that the teacher and family lived downstairs!

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  9. wow, it doesn't even look that old! your old school houses are much different than old american school houses!

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