Martin Day (architect)

He was related to architects John Day and William Day, both of County Wexford, and connected with Richard Purcell, who was possibly a relative. He was notable in designing several Church of Ireland churches for the Board of First Fruits and the Irish Ecclesiastical Commissioners between around 1822 and 1849.^[1]

He assisted Daniel Robertson at Ballinkeele, Johnstown Castle, Bloomfield and Castleboro House in County Wexford.^[1] At Castleboro House, drawings of the neo-palladian Porter's Lodge are signed by Day.^[2]

Day is believed to have designed the only surviving example of Hindu-Gothic architecture in Ireland, the Dromana Gate at Dromana Estate near Villierstown, County Waterford. It was built around 1849, and replaced a temporary folly made of wood, canvas, and papier-mâché inspired by the North Gate at the Royal Pavilionthat was erected for the wedding of Henry Villiers-Stuart and Theresia Pauline Ott.^[3][4][5]

He designed without collaboration other country houses of less importance.^[1][6] Day died in 1861.^[4]