Woodstock Dovecote
The Woodstock dovecote is thought to date from the mid 18th century; however, it is not shown on the first edition of the Ordinance Survey. The dovecote, whilst being ornamental was also used for providing a fresh meat supply in the winter months, the meat being the young pigeons or squeekers who were taken when about six weeks old.
The dovecote is circular in shape and was constructed of stone. It has brick eaves and a conical slated roof which is surmounted by a brick glover containing long rectangular windows. The internal diameter of the buildings stands at 8.31m and it is 3.73m in height. There are 293 nesting boxes within the dovecote. These are divided into seven tiers. The nesting boxes measure 15cm x 25cm and have a projecting perch. The dovecote can house 586 pigeons in total. The internal floor was paved but it is only partially intact today. The roof inside the dovecote comprises of corbelled brick.
In order to ensure that the stock was not depleted as a result of vermin attacks the lowest tier of nesting boxes were placed .9m above floor level. The dovecote in Woodstock has been partially restored and is considered to be one of the best Irish examples existing today.
In August 2004, local artist Saturio Alonso placed a camera obscura inside the dovecote, which reflects moving images from outside the building onto a Perspex screen inside.
Sources:
Reeves-Smyth, T. and Jupp, B. (2000) Woodstock Gardens and Demesne County Kilkenny, The Gazetteer
