This vernacular structure has seen considerable changes over the centuries, most notably its division into two separate properties, which led to the addition of a second door alongside the original entrance. The building’s stone walls support a modern slate roof, though this wasn’t always the case; the roof was previously covered with corrugated iron and, going back even further, traditional thatch.

The inn’s architectural details tell a story of continuous occupation and adaptation. A stone chimney of post-medieval design rises from the eastern gable, whilst extensive outbuildings surrounding the main structure hint at its historical importance as a coaching inn and local gathering place. The building’s protected status recognises both its architectural significance and its role in preserving the character of rural Dublin’s built heritage.

Local tradition holds that James II spent a night here whilst travelling to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, adding a layer of royal intrigue to the inn’s already rich history. Whether this story is entirely accurate or has been embellished over the centuries, it speaks to the White Hart’s strategic position along important historical routes through County Dublin. Today, the building continues to stand as a tangible link to Ireland’s complex past, from its role as a roadside inn to its connection with one of the most pivotal battles in Irish history.