Minister visits Cavan during Heritage Week

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, visited Cavan last week to engage with several community-led heritage initiatives that look to conserve and protect the county's rich built heritage or its biodiversity.

Last Thursday morning's visit began in Bailieborough, where Minister O’Sullivan was welcomed by members of the Bailieboro Heritage Society at a Church of Ireland graveyard.

He also met with the Friends of Castle Lake, a local group active in numerous projects, notably one focused on conservation efforts for the endangered Swift.

After, he travelled west, to the historic Drumlane Abbey, a site of significant ecclesiastical and archaeological value where he met members of the Drumlane Heritage Group who have long advocated for renewed support to further study and preserve the site.

Micheál McCabe, a passionate member of the group, explained that although the Office of Public Works (OPW) placed a preservation order on adjoining lands back in the 1970s, little has been done since.

This lack of activity has, according to McCabe, been a mixed blessing. While the site has remained undisturbed, its potential for further exploration has also been put on the long-finger.

The Annals of Clonmacnoise, dating as far back as the early 13th century, reference a town of Drumlane there, reportedly burned to the ground in 1246 and again in 1261.

A study in 2022 revealed clues of such a settlement, and the heritage group now want to launch a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) drone to survey the site from above. This advanced technology, Micheál believes, would allow for a detailed three-dimensional mapping of the area, potentially revealing building foundations and buried structures without disturbing the site.

“We’d be able to point out little markings on the ground, possibly where buildings were,” explained Mr McCabe, expressing his belief that such a survey could enhance understanding of Drumlane’s historic significance even further. Minister O’Sullivan was joined in Drumlane by a high-profile delegation that included fellow Minister of State and local TD, Niamh Smyth; colleague Brendan Smith TD, Senator Diarmuid Wilson, and Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley, alongside members of Cavan County Council and representatives from the Heritage Council, National Monuments Service, and the Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark.

The Minister was quick to praise the area’s “phenomenal” heritage assets, calling it “a really special place”.

He also expressed admiration for the conservation work already done at the abbey, which he described as “one of the best” heritage sites he'd had the privilege to visit in recent months.

To the surprise of all in attendance, Minister O’Sullivan revealed a personal connection. A keen birdwatcher - he prefers the term “birder” - he'd previously visited the area while on a personal trip staying at nearby Cabú. He ventured out hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive and diminutive Smew - a rare waterfowl species believed to nest near the lake.

Though unsuccessful on that trip, he clearly retained an affection for the picturesque surrounds.

Reflecting on his official visit, Minister O’Sullivan remarked: “The richness and wealth of heritage in this county has blown me away.”

He also acknowledged the potential for future research and restoration work at Drumlane, including possible exploration of underground passages and further preservation of ecclesiastical structures.

Minister Smyth meanwhile emphasised the importance of the visit, noting that it was an opportunity for the Minister to see the positive impact of both governmental support and community involvement in preserving Cavan’s heritage during Heritage Week.

“These projects are really volunteer-led, and this week is about recognising the hard work of those volunteers,” she said.