Durrow

Durrow Abbey, Durrow, Tullamore, County Offaly, residential headquarters of the Foundation.

Durrow Abbey is a substantial state owned property in County Offaly. It is kindly leased to us on a permanent basis by the Irish Government. The Foundation would like to extend its gratitude to Taoiseach Brian Cowen for his support of our work.

Durrow has a uniquely Irish and Celtic resonance, being the site of one of Ireland’s oldest and most important High Crosses, The Durrow Cross, currently housed in the family church beside the house. Durrow Abbey was founded by Ct Columcille or Columba nearly a millennium ago and is a site of great archaeological and national importance. It is also believed to be the source of the beautiful ancient manuscript, the Book of Durrow, which predates the Book of Kells. The Book of Durrow is currently on display at Trinity College, Dublin.

A comprehensive restoration plan is in place at Durrow Abbey Demense. The positive use of the house and lands in a manner compatible with its architectural, archaeological and historical importance as a sacred site will be ongoing as part of the mission of the foundation. Restoration Programmes carried out in Durrow will highlight the importance of our national culture, traditional workmanship, the importance of our heritage and respect for the beauty and value in one’s surroundings is essential and intrinsic to the healing process.