Our History
Today, Riverdale Barn is a beautiful and unique wedding venue, making it the perfect place to celebrate love. But it’s also steeped in history, which means every special occasion that takes place here becomes part of its incredible story.
Once a family home and a working mill which eventually fell into disrepair, it has been lovingly restored and renovated.
This is our story.
C1800s
Originally the grounds of the Gilbert Family home long ago, this photograph was taken at the entrance to Riverdale Barn. The island was once larger, closer to the road and more accessible. Unfortunately, details and history of the family ownership are unavailable as the records were burned in the Dublin fire of 1922.
1988
After years of lying dormant and unused, descendants acquired the yard. The Mill Pond and waterway had practically disappeared, and the buildings were in great disrepair when ownership changed hands in 1988.
1992
Work began on the waterway and pond in the late 1980’s. During this time and into the early 1990’s clearing of overgrown vegetation and muck took place. Walls and overflows were built to contain and direct the water in an effort to keep the pond clean for the future.
C1997
The Water Wheel was listed by Henri Godin in Some Ulster Watermills as “one of the most picturesque mills in Ulster.” Extensive work was done to bring it back to its former working glory.
The Main Barn was originally a Dutch Barn style used for storing straw, hay and machinery. As part of the renovation of the yard the current stone wall was hand built, wooden siding put up and large arched openings were established on one side of the barn.
The Arches would have been used to dry the grain before being put through the waterwheel operated mill. Henri Godin stated in his Photographic Exhibition, Some Ulster Watermills, “The barn is one of the most distinctive buildings with its ordered ventilation holes to help dry the grain.” The roof was replaced, and the building was made structurally sound during this time.
2004
During the first number of years of the 2000s, the landscape of the pond and paths were developed and refined, while the main focus turned to structural improvements of the buildings.
2008
In the autumn of 2008, continual rainfall flooded all the waterways leading to Riverdale causing substantial flooding at the venue. During the following year, in an attempt to prevent this happening again, a second overflow was developed creating the wonderful steppingstones we now enjoy!
2009 – 2010
2011 – 2013
2014 – 2017
2017
Outdoor lighting was added, and the walkways were paved, providing atmosphere and accessibility to the outside venue at any time. For the second time the sluice gates were replaced, this time using modern materials enhancing a beautiful walkway to the stepping stones and the area beyond.
2018
Beyond the stepping stones, an area was created for those special photographic moments! The swing makes a lovely focal point for those special smiles in a relaxed setting amongst the small trees. The red gate and style bring back some of the history that might have been a very common site when Riverdale Barn was in its original heyday.
2019
In an effort to maintain cleaniness and upgrade safety, hardcore was laid down and the bed of the pond cemented.
Fountains were added to enhance the water areas providing a unique and special display for photos with excitement! The building of a house on the island pays homage to the original one that was on the pond long ago.
Contact Us Today
If you are interested in the pricings and expectations for the hire of Riverdale Barn, please contact us! To ensure you receive all the information you require, we will be happy to schedule a private viewing of Riverdale Barn and discuss your event with you.