500-year-old Donegal abbey reopens to public after huge restoration project

With various sections in a state of collapse, and held together by the enclosing Ivy, the 500-year-old abbey was closed to the public in 2015. However, the final phase of conservation work was completed in recent weeks, allowing the public to enjoy the historic abbey and its adjoining graveyard once more.

Donegal County Council Heritage Officer Joseph Gallagher said: “The long-term commitment demonstrated by local heritage and community groups in Rathmullan to the conservation of the abbey and the historic graveyard is commendable and has been rewarded. The phased approach taken to conservation works, under expert supervision and with the consent of the National Monuments Service, means that with regular maintenance, this structure will be available to future generations to interpret, appreciate and enjoy.”

The conservation work involved the removal of trees and ivy, and the consolidation of stonework, under the supervision of Conservation Architect, Dedalus (Moville), and Archaeologist Richard Crumlish (Carndonagh), with stonework by John Doherty Construction (Clonmany) and Seamus Friel & Sons (Buncrana).

Building Conservation Officer, Colette Beattie said: “The building was concealed under layers of ivy and the conservation approach has been one of minimal intervention which has carefully revealed and repaired this 16th century building, that has been used as a priory and later as a private dwelling, showing the integrate details of beautiful dressed stone work and carvings and allowing us to understand the different stages of alteration to the building over the centuries.”

Local groups such as Rathmullan & District Historical Society and Rathmullan RDRC -The Way Forward were thanked by Fergal Doherty, Donegal County Council.

He also thanked funders The Heritage Council, former Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, SEUPB(PEACE IV) and Donegal County Council.