Medieval abbey in south Sligo to benefit from new Heritage Council scheme
COURT Abbey is Lavagh in south Sligo is one of five monuments across Ireland which have been selected for inclusion in the Heritage Council’s Adopt a Monument Scheme 2024.
The scheme offers communities expertise, mentoring and support to help them to care for their local heritage.
As well as the impressive ruins in Lavagh, the sites included in this year’s scheme are an early medieval church and cross that overlook Lough Foyle at Cooley, near Moville in Co Donegal; a ringfort at Rathbeagh, which stands above the River Nore in north Co Kilkenny; a nineteenth century summerhouse set in a dramatic mountainous landscape on the shore of Lough Altan, Co Donegal; the historic church and graveyard at Bailieborough, Co Cavan.
Court Abbey is a medieval abbey church and crossing tower set within an intriguing archaeological landscape in Co. Sligo. Although much is covered by ivy, the site has many interesting features including surviving medieval wall paintings. Achrony Mullinabreena Community Enhancement Ltd (AMCE Ltd) is determined to save this structure from collapse and better understand how to protect and maintain it for future generations.
Working in partnership with communities and State bodies, the Adopt a Monument Scheme helps to ensure the sustainable future of the adopted monuments. It also offers communities a way of promoting pride in place and pride in Ireland’s past, as well as opportunities to develop and understand the story of a locality, to work collaboratively, to get active, participate in community development and to boost tourism, business and employment opportunities.
Following a call for applications in October 2023, a large number of community groups applied to adopt a monument in their locality. The five sites were chosen following a selection process that also involved the National Monuments Service, The Heritage Council, The Discovery Programme, a community archaeologist and Abarta Heritage.
Speaking about the sites chosen, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said: “As custodians of our nation’s heritage, we recognise that this Scheme is not merely about safeguarding our historic monuments; it’s about safeguarding our collective memory, our identity, and our stories, and the active involvement of local communities is paramount.
“We aim to empower these individuals, providing them with the resources and support they need to make a tangible difference. The impact of caring for our local monuments transcends mere restoration; it fosters a profound sense of pride within communities, transforming sometimes forgotten spaces into vibrant ones, and presents an opportunity to educate through community engagement.”
Speaking on behalf of AMCE Ltd, Elaine Conroy said: “Achonry Mullinabreena Community Enhancement Group Ltd is delighted to learn that our application for Court Abbey to be included in The Heritage
Council’s Adopt a Monument Scheme has been successful.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to assist us in the conservation of this Medieval church and learn more about the role played by this intriguing monument. This is only the second monument in Sligo to have gained this status, Moygara Castle being the first.
“The Adopt a Monument Scheme helps to ensure the sustainable future of the adopted monuments. It also offers communities a way of promoting pride in place and pride in Ireland’s past, as well as opportunities to develop and understand the story of a locality.”
The Adopt a Monument Scheme is an initiative of The Heritage Council and is managed by Abarta Heritage.
Support in surveying and investigation work for several sites will be provided by the Discovery Programme, which is the State’s archaeological research institute.