Historic abbey and crosses off limits on safety grounds

Public access to the early Christian monastic site and world famous High Cross at Durrow Abbey, near Tullamore has been blocked because of concerns by the Road Safety Authority about safety at the entrance, off the busy N52 road. 

Local groups are now pressing for a speedy resolution of the problem, as it is believed the historic site could draw 50,000 visitors a year if it were opened to the public.  

Planning permission for the safety measures needed where the entrance meets the N52 is said to be due to expire shortly.

The works involves widening a long stretch of the road, the removal and reinstatement of railings and a wall and the creation of a safe central turning area for people visiting the abbey.  

Land at the margins of the abbey grounds would also have to be raised to the level of the main road.

The cost was originally estimated at €750,000 but it is believed it could now be done for less because of the recession. 

Ironically, €5 million has already been spent acquiring and carrying out works at abbey, where the High Cross offers a unique example of an early Irish religious art form.

Last week, local parish priest, Msgr Sean Heaney, said he would love to see the area opened up to visitors and a visitor centre developed. 

He was backed by Ms Helen Bracken, chairwoman of the Durrow High Cross committee said the rare Celtic Cross, “must be among the greatest of Ireland's hidden treasures,” and it was, “high time to bring it to public view.”

“At a time of a steep economic downturn when huge efforts are being made to attract tourists to Ireland we need to make the most of our resources,” she said.

Ms Bracken believes that many of the tourists who visit the popular Clonmacnois monastic site would be interested in taking in Durrow Abbey because of its international importance.  

But while the OPW had done “excellent restoration work on the church and graveyard,” visitor information was needed about the Book of Durrow, the Holy Well, the Durrow crozier and the abbey and grounds.

Mr Michael Byrne, of Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society agreed, saying Durrow is now only an hour from Dublin and has great potential to attract visitors.

“This is the beginning of Christianity in this area and any self-respecting people must recognise its importance,” he said.

Durrow House and its grounds could attract visitors in their own right but it should be linked with other local places of interest such as the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre and Locke's Distillery in Kilbeggan. 

Mr Byrne said the derelict original gate lodge to Durrow Abbey should be restored and used as a visitor centre.

He said a campaign to restore the Durrow monastic site and open it as a visitor attraction had started in 1991 but the core objective had still not been realised.

 

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