Discover Killygordon: historic houses and playground

Killygordon’s distinctive features include older houses with clearly identifiable architectural elements and the playground on Dromore Road. A former railway bridge in the surrounding area also tells the story of the railway line’s former use. These different points of interest make the village appealing to travellers who want to include architecture and local history in their trip alongside shared activities.

Historic houses and distinctive architectural features

On the western edge of the village stands a large private house dating from the 19th century; it is one of the larger surviving 19th-century private houses in the village. It was built around 1870 and incorporates an older two-storey terraced house dating from around 1820. The building may once also have served as a dispensary and a rectory. Today it is a private residence.

Another example is 9 Farm Lane: an attached, two-storey house with three window bays dating from around 1880. Its surviving details include timber sliding sash windows and a natural slate roof. The building retains its early character and form. It also makes a positive contribution to the streetscape along Killygordon’s southern main approach. At this house, you can pay particular attention to the interplay between the number of storeys, window arrangement and roofing material.

The house listed under registration number 40839003 occupies a prominent corner site in the village centre. Despite some modern alterations, much of its early form remains. Features include six-over-six timber sliding sash windows and a centrally positioned entrance with a square head. The entrance has a panelled timber door, plinth blocks and a fanlight with marginal glazing. At the rear stands a large, two-storey outbuilding, which has survived in relatively good condition. Thus, the houses differ not only in their locations within the village, but also in their respective windows, entrances and outbuildings as described.

The playground and other traces of history

Killygordon Playground is on Dromore Road, next to the bridge. During its renovation, the area was enlarged, and new, accessible play equipment, a new fence and a completely new rubber surface were added. For families who want to include a playground in their plans, this place offers a different focus from the historic houses. The renovation work covered both the equipment and the play area and its enclosure.

There is also a single-arch former railway bridge dating from around 1863 in the surrounding area of Killygordon. It carries a road over a former section of the Strabane to Stranorlar railway line, which formed part of the Derry (Victoria Road) to Killybegs line. As a historical point of interest, the bridge complements the architectural history of the houses with evidence of earlier transport infrastructure.

Which holiday apartment suits your interests?

If you are looking for a holiday apartment, Killygordon may appeal to you if you want to discover historic architectural features right in the village.

More location pages: Falcarragh, Rathmullan, Darney, Raphoe, Fintragh, Bun Cranncha, Greencastle, Carrowreagh.

For the main travel overview: County Donegal.