Dwyer–McAllister Cottage

The Dwyer-McAllister Cottage is a three-room stone dwelling with traditional Irish features situated on the northeast slope of Keadeen Mountain in County Wicklow. The building maintains its original structure with whitewashed walls, earthen floors, and exposed wooden roof timbers throughout its interconnected rooms.

The cottage was built around 1780 as a simple home for a rural family in the Wicklow Mountains. It gained historical significance in 1799 when Michael Dwyer and his followers sought refuge here and clashed with British forces during the turbulent aftermath of the 1798 Rebellion.

The cottage displays traditional Irish household items such as a roasting spit and churn that show how rural families lived in the 1700s. Visitors can see the tools and objects that people used every day in their homes and work.

The cottage sits partway up a mountain and is reached by walking a marked trail that takes about 30 minutes from the road. Wear sturdy shoes and check local conditions before visiting, as mountain weather can change quickly.

The interior features replacement pivot windows made of wood that recreate the look of original closures used long ago. These details show how conservators have worked to keep the space true to its past while making it more usable.

Location: Donard

Inception: 1780

Architectural style: vernacular architecture

Floors above the ground: 1

GPS coordinates: 52.96213,-6.56461

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:27