Restoration work begins on rare Ardglass bathing house

Restoration work begins on rare Ardglass bathing house

17 June 2015

WORK has started to restore an dilapidated Victorian bathing house in Ardglass.

The building, which is close to the village’s marina at an area known locally as Luke’s Port, has suffered from years of constant battering from wind and waves and was in danger of collapse.

The Follies Trust, a Northern Ireland charity which restores old buildings, was given permission by the former Down Council to seek funding to restore the bathing house which is located on land owned by the local authority.

The funding package is now in place and the Follies Trust has begun restoration work, much to the delight of local councillor, Dermot Curran.

He said when the bathing house was constructed by William Oglivie, the structure was regarded as one of the most fashionable bathing places in Ulster, on the Ardglass shoreline over looking the ancient Ward of Ardtole.

Councillor Curran said the bathing house, which resembles a mini castle, has been in need of repair for many years.

“The time had come for affirmative action to repair the building. Erosion, rough seas and ageing have not been kind to a once proud building which many people would like to see restored,” he continued.

“I am delighted that restoration work is now underway. The Follies Trust has redeveloped a number of old buildings and brings its wide experience to this particular project.”

Councillor Curran said the picturesque bathing house has been vandalised on a number of previous occasions in the past.

“Vandal attacks and the ravages of time have not been kind to the building which is something of a focal point. It’s restoration would be widely welcomed,” he continued. “Many will be delighted much-needed restoration work has now begun.”

Describing the bathing house as an “integral part” of the fishing port’s past, councillor Curran said he has highlighted the need for its restoration over many years. He said when the project is complete, Ardglass will have an added visitor attraction.

He added: “The bathing house is very much part of the village’s past and its restoration is good news for Ardglass. I believe that restoring and protecting our heritage is particularly important to provide today’s generation with a glimpse of the district’s rich history.

”I hope that when the bathing house is restored, it will be accorded the respect it deserves and not targeted by vandals. This is part and parcel of the history of Ardglass and is a gem that must be preserved for future generations.”