Drumlane facts for kids
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Order | Augustinian |
| Established | 6th century |
| Disestablished | 16th century |
| Diocese | Diocese of Kilmore |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Saint Columba |
| Important associated figures | Patron Saint Máedóc Ó Faircheallaigh |
| Site | |
| Location | Milltown, County Cavan, Ireland |
| Official name | Drumlane |
| Reference no. | 4 |
Drumlane (which means "The Broad Ridge" in Irish) is a special place in County Cavan, Ireland. It's a townland, which is like a small area of land, near the village of Milltown. Drumlane is also the name of the larger local area, called a civil parish.
This area has a long history, going back to the 6th century. A famous saint named Saint Columba brought Christianity here around the year 555. Later, Saint Máedóc of Ferns started an early monastery in Drumlane. He appointed a nobleman named Faircheallaigh as the first leader, or Abbot, of Drumlane. His family, the Ó Faircheallaighs, continued to be important leaders there for a long time.
The name Drumlane comes from the word "drumlin." This describes the low, hilly landscape shaped by glaciers during the last ice age. Many places nearby also have "Drum" in their names, while others have "Derry," which means "oak" in Irish.
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Discovering Drumlane's Past
People have lived and farmed around Drumlane for over two thousand years! We know this from old maps and from things found on the land. For example, there are ringforts, which were ancient circular forts, and enclosures. In a nearby lake called Derrybrick lough, you can even find remains of crannogs. These were man-made islands used as homes a long time ago.
The most amazing features here are the ruins of an Augustinian church and a round tower. These buildings tell us a lot about the early Christian times in Ireland.
The Story of the Monastery
The Christian site at Drumlane is thought to have started around 555 by Saint Columba. It was later developed by Saint Máedóc, who is also known as St. Mogue. Many wonderful stories and legends are told about him.
Important changes happened in Irish churches during the 12th century. New church areas, called archbishoprics, were created. In 1152, a big meeting called the Synod of Kells led to more changes. Drumlane became part of a new church area called the Tir Briuin diocese. The Drumlane priory, a type of monastery, was formed around 1143. It was called St. Mary's Priory Drumlane until the mid-16th century, when many monasteries were closed down during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Battles and Changes Over Time
Old records, like the Annals of the Four Masters, tell us about Drumlane's history. In 836, Viking raiders attacked Drumlane, just like they attacked other monasteries.
Later, in 1246, the Drumlane church was burned during a fight between two powerful local families, the O'Rourkes and the O'Reillys. Drumlane was important because it was on the border between their lands. It was also a burial place for their leaders. More battles happened in 1261, 1314, and 1338. Finally, in 1391, peace was made, and the land was divided between the two families.
In 1431, church records show that money was needed to rebuild Drumlane priory. In 1436, the Pope appointed Patrick Ó Faircheallaigh as a leader there. Drumlane continued as a church and a place where priests were trained.
The End of the Monastery
Family feuds continued, and in 1487, Drumlane town was burned as punishment during a fight among the O'Reillys. The last mention of Drumlane in church records was in 1538. Soon after, in 1539, King Henry VIII of England took control of the priory and church.
Drumlane was a very rich church property, with lots of land. The church was later given to the Anglican Diocese of Kilmore and used for Protestant worship. The other priory buildings were left to fall apart. By 1821, a new church called St. Columba's was built nearby, and the old Drumlane church was left without a roof and abandoned.
Drumlane's Amazing Architecture
The first buildings at Drumlane were made of wood from nearby oak forests. Over time, they wore down from weather and attacks. In the 12th century, when the Augustinians took over, the whole place was rebuilt using local stone. They used styles common in Irish churches and round towers of that time, like Romanesque and Gothic designs.
The tall, round tower was a sign of importance. It showed the power of the O'Rourke kings who might have helped pay for it. Other donations likely came from local farmers and visitors who came to see St. Mogue's special items.
Building Details
The Drumlane church was a simple building, about 32.6 meters long and 6.1 meters wide. You can see different building styles from different times. In the late 12th and early 13th centuries, old Irish Romanesque styles started to mix with new English Gothic styles.
For example, the round tower's doors and windows have rounded tops, typical of 12th-century work. The main church doorway also has a round top with a "dog-tooth" pattern, which was popular then. Later additions, like windows and doorways on the side walls, have pointed arches, showing the Gothic style that became popular in the 13th century.
The large east window has fancy stone patterns from the 15th century. Outside, near this window, you can see carved heads of a king, a queen, and a bishop or abbot. These might have been important people who helped the church. Inside, there are pieces of old stone carvings, including a stone believed to be a tomb slab.
The Round Tower itself shows signs of being built or rebuilt in two stages. It's the only round tower left in the Kilmore Diocese today!
Today, the ruined Drumlane church and its round tower, which is 11.6 meters tall, are important reminders of the monastic period. The old priory buildings are mostly gone. The church was used until about 1820 and then left to decay. Now, these structures are cared for by a state agency and are open for visitors. The cemetery is still used and looked after by local communities.
Exploring Drumlane's Hidden Secrets
In the summer of 2021, a special survey was done at the St Mary Priory site. Local history groups and many community volunteers worked together. This priory site is a National Monument, meaning it's a very important historical place. It's located in a farmer's field, about a hundred meters south of the church and round tower ruins.
The project used special equipment to look underground without digging. They found evidence of a large building, about 25 meters long and 20 meters wide. This suggests that there was once a big group of church buildings here, possibly including a chapel and living spaces for the Augustinian monks from the late medieval period.
Important Saints of Drumlane
- Saint Columba (who started Drumlane around 555 AD)
- Saint Máedóc of Ferns (also known as Áedán)
- Saint Danem (Feast Day 13 November)
- Saint Indecht (Feast Day 11 August)
