presentation convent drogheda

‘You walked with our foreparents’: Mass marks Presentation Sisters departure from Drogheda

Service acts as farewell to order 210 years after it first arrived in co louth town.

Sisters Agnes, Carmel, Colette and Rose with Catholic Primate Archbishop Eamon Martin at the service on Sunday. Photograph St Peter's Parish/Facebook

The departure of the Presentation Sisters from Drogheda Co Louth after 210 years was marked on Sunday by a special Mass celebrated by Catholic Primate Archbishop Eamon Martin at St Peter’s parish Church in the town.

It was farewell to the four remaining Presentation nuns, Sr Agnes Byrne, Sr Carmel Curran, Sr Colette McCloskey, and Sr Rose Wright, of the departing community at Greenhills in the town.

“The sisters came to these parts 210 years ago. Their early presence in Fair Street, Duke Street and eventually at Greenhills has left a real mark. It is sad that the last community of sisters is now moving on, but the Presentation sisters will forever be remembered as amazing pointers to active faith, hope and love at work among us,” said Archbishop Martin.

“For some time now the sisters have known that they would be finishing up their mission here, but they have worked to ensure that the example of their presence will remain. It now falls to the lay women and men, girls and boys of Drogheda to keep alive the ethos of compassionate service which Nano Nagle and the Presentation sisters championed,” he said.

My friend Amy Winehouse: ‘It makes me sad that she died alone in that big house in Camden’

‘We didn’t hit our stride’: Ronan O’Gara disappointed by La Rochelle performance

Civil War director Alex Garland: ‘Journalists are seen with contempt by a lot of people now. I really object to that’

Denis Bradley: ‘Partition doesn’t work, never has worked, never will work’

Nano Nagle, founder of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (PBVM), better known as the Presentation Sisters, was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 2013. Born in Co Cork in 1718, she devoted her life to educating the poor.

As Archbishop Martin recalled “having had the privilege of an education abroad herself, and after spending some time in religious life, Nano returned to her native city where she was moved to help the young girls of Cork who were growing up in great deprivation and with no access to school.”

He added that “the Presentation sisters are a missionary congregation and their priorities have now shifted to other parts of the world where their charism is needed most.”

In a tribute to the Sisters, past pupil Vera Moonan recalled how “for over 200 years you have served us with distinction, always generously, never sparing yourselves. You walked with our foreparents during the time of the Famine, you were with us at the turbulent time of Partition and the Civil War. You were ever by our side, prayerfully and in action, both Mary and Martha to us.”

Hundreds of Presentation Sisters had “passed through Drogheda since 1813, both in Fair St and Greenhills. There are just four left and now sadly, Sisters Agnes, Carmel, Colette and Rose, you must leave us. The four of you have brought so much to the women and girls of Drogheda,” she said.

They had taught in St Philomena’s, Presentation Primary, and Our Lady’s College, Greenhills, “formed us in the Faith and have been chaplains in our schools. You have excelled in hospitality,” she said. The sisters had worked “with the Samaritans, Drogheda Youth Development, Boomerang, Drogheda Women’s and Children’s Refuge, Drogheda community development, homeschool liaison, healing and peace.”

They had worked with the Diocesan Pastoral Council, the adult faith development and spirituality commissions, and on the Irish Commission for Justice and Peace.

“All Leinster women, you have come from this county of Louth, from Wexford, Offaly, and Wicklow,” she said. “The good deeds you have done do not now go with you, but rather continue to yield a wonderful harvest to the glory of God, not least through Presentation Primary and Our Lady’s College which continue to grow and to thrive,” she said.

“We will hold your memory dear, cherish your legacy, and bring to fulfilment the good work you have begun. May God bless you now and always,” she said.

Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry is a contributor to The Irish Times

IN THIS SECTION

The scourge of anti-semitism was part of official catholic teaching into the 20th century, what does the eu’s new migration policy mean for ireland, academics for palestine criticise universities over ‘neutrality’ and lack of action on war in gaza, mandy kelly meets helen mcentee regarding unlawful retention of minor sons in egypt, court cuts wrc compensation award to debenhams staff by 50%, sydney attack: irish man among those caught up in ‘panic’ as six killed in shopping centre stabbings, iran launches drones towards israel in retaliation over air strike that killed generals, catholic primary school in dublin switches to multidenominational patronage, migrants should be deported for serious offences even if granted asylum, says lisa chambers, latest stories, rebuilding notre-dame: ‘making beautiful things is what paris does better than anywhere in the world’, niamh mulvey: ‘i thought people who wrote books were in a different category of brain. i didn’t think i had that’, four new films to see this week, soaking up the mersey beat on a trip to liverpool, where music seeps from every corner.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards

• Archdiocese
• Pastoral Menu
• Safeguarding

Ara Coeli Cathedral Road ARMAGH BT61 7QY Tel (028) 3752 2045 Fax (028) 3752 6182 Email: [email protected]

Administrative Staff: Mrs Caroline Hicks [email protected] Mrs Clár Doherty [email protected] Mrs Sharon Murphy [email protected] Mrs Donna Gray [email protected]

   Chancellor:    Very Rev Michael Toner PP     [email protected]

   Assistant Chancellor:    Rev Paul Murphy     [email protected]

   Diocesan Secretary:    Rev Colm Hagan     [email protected]

   Financial Administrator:    Mrs Brenda O’Hare     [email protected]

    Media Queries:    Mr Martin Long – Tel: 01 5053010    Mobile: 086 1727 678     [email protected]

Archbishop Eamon Martin

Cardinal Seán Brady

Bishop Michael Router

Diocesan Pastoral Council

St Patrick’s Archdiocesan Trust Ltd

The Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich Memorial Library And Archive

Armagh Inter-Diocesan Marriage Tribunal

Pastoral Areas

Vicars General, Episcopal Vicars & Vicars Forane

Council of Priests

Religious Orders

Redemptorist Mater Seminary

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Pastoral Plan 2015-2020

Armagh Diocesan Pastoral Centre

Adult Faith Formation

Evangelisation & Ecumenism

Justice & Peace

Prayer and Spirituality

Seminarian Liaison

Youth Ministry

Other Agencies

Aifreann Gaeilige

Apostolic Work

Aras Mhuire

Armagh Diocesan Cursillo Movement

County Louth Radio

Family of God Catholic Community

Legion of Mary

Permanent Diaconate

Extraordinary Mission Month

Simon Community

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

St. Vincent de Paul

Trafficking

First Communion

First Confession

Confirmation

Becoming a Catholic: RCIA

Bereavement / Wake

Ministry of the Word

Religious Education Resources

Pilgrimages

Celtic Church

Mass Readings

Parish Resources

For further information about all our resources , please contact Archdiocese of Armagh Cathedral Road Armagh BT61 7QY Tel: +44 (0) 28 3752 2045 Email: [email protected]

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (PBVM)

PRESENTATION SISTERS UNION NORTH EAST IRELAND

Presentation Provincialate, Acorn Centre Warrenmount, Blackpitts, Dublin 8. D08 W2X8

Tel: 00 353 1 – 416 6010   

Website:  Presentation Sisters Union North East Ireland

The Presentation Sisters in Ireland is organised into two provinces – the North East and the South West. The North East Province was established on 1 January 2015 through the bringing together of the former South East Province and the former Northern Province. 

PORTADOWN (founded 1882)

Presentation Convent, 103 Thomas Street, Portadown, Co. Armagh, BT62 3AH Tel (028) 3833 2220

Apostolates

Parish work, Prison Visitation, Cross Community Work, Spiritual Direction, Administration in Flax Trust Centre, Belfast

Shalom, 28 Garvaghy Park, Portadown, Co Armagh Tel (028) 3833 5964

Community Development & Pastoral Work, Prayer Ministry & Spiritual Accompaniment, Education, Peace & Reconciliation

DROGHEDA (founded 1813)

After 209 years of a presence in Drogheda, the Presentation Sisters, based at Greenhills, Drogheda, Co Louth, sadly withdrew from the Archdiocese of Armagh in 2022.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Parenting & Education in Ireland

Parenting & education, presentation primary school ---, from the local childminders forum, what's around this school, news, inspections & discussions, more on this school.

• Meet the Team

School History

• Our Classes
• Green Schools
• Active Schools
• Student Council
• Meet the Parents’ Association & Contact Us
• Activities, Events & Fundraising
• AGM Minutes
• PA Constitution
• Support Resources for Parents
• Data Protection Guide for Parents
• Useful Learning Resources for Parents
• Garda Vetting

• I have seen the Lord!
• Pilgrims of hope, builders of peace
• What do we know of Patrick?
• Dream me, God
• No option to ‘opt out’

Presentation Sisters Union North East Ireland Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Dublin – George’s Hill

The story of our community, george’s hill, dublin 7.

Presentation Convent, George’s Hill, Dublin 7 was founded on 20 th August 1794. Teresa Mulally, a humble woman of independent means had, in 1766, quietly started a Catholic school in Mary’s Lane for the poor girls of inner-city Dublin. Striving to ensure its future, she had purchased a plot of land on George’s Hill in the hope that she would get a religious community to continue her work of teaching poor Catholic children. She even had a convent and school built on the plot of ground which was approx one rood in size. It was in the city centre of Dublin, north of the Liffey in Halston Street Parish. It was surrounded by streets. Newgate Prison and the Central Criminal Court were across the street.

The founding Sisters were Sister M. Francis Xavier Doyle and Sister M. Ignatius Doran, both of whom had previously taught in the school. The convent was a four storey building with basement, the entrance being on the George’s Hill side. The initial benefactor was Father Philip Mulcaile S.J., Mrs Coppinger and Mr. John Bray.

In 1906, a large school room was taken in to the Convent which offered room for a Novitiate and four cells. In 1953, the two top storeys of the Orphanage were taken over to provide eight additional rooms for the Sisters.

The first school dates back to 1794. It consisted of a large room on the ground floor of the Convent. Later, a further large room in the Orphanage was acquired.

When the Sisters took over the school in 1794, Teresa Mulally did not wish that the pupils would get a Summer vacation. When the Sisters stated that they needed time to recoup their strength and have time for their retreat, Teresa relented.

No amount of literature could capture the wit and wisdom heard all around our streets. The children have inherited this quick wit and humour. One example of this is when five girls from 6 th class had a row and were sent to the Principal. She sat the girls down and each told her their story. Then one of them “piped up” “ Sure sister, you couldn’t believe the Hail Mary out of her mouth. She tells lies all the time and they’re not even true ”. Sister had to brace herself to prevent a smile at this critical moment in the argument!

During the 1916 Rebellion, the George’s Hill Convent and Schools were between two firing lines. A machine gun was placed by the military in the street opposite and they fired at their opponents at the other side of the buildings. Windows and walls were pierced with bullets. For two days and nights, destruction seemed inevitable. However, by Saturday evening a truce was made and George’s Hill was saved.

Many additions were made to the school over time. In 1862, a new school with four large classrooms and basement was erected adjacent to the convent at the cost of £1,700.9.10. In 1906, an addition was added costing £4,179.4.9 In 1908, A school for junior boys was erected which cost £1,600.10.7 In 1930, the tenement houses erected by Teresa Mulally, foundress, were evacuated and reconstructed to provide an Infant Department. This cost £3,213.11.4 And in 1972, a new Primary School was opened. The total cost was £189,374.4.6 The Department grant at the time was £157,395.99

A Secondary-top was introduced in George’s Hill in 1954 – a classroom in the Primary School was taken over. A new cloakroom and sanitary block was erected in 1955, the cost of this addition was £12,000.00. The Board of Works defrayed two thirds of the cost.

In 1969, the Sisters were granted full Secondary School status by the Department of Education. In 1972, the old Primary School was renovated to meet the needs for a Secondary School. The cost amounted to £3,000 which was paid by the Community.

George’s Hill school is situated in a deprived area. The children of the locality would have no hope of secondary education unless free education was made possible. The problem of unemployment was acute in the area. In 1969, the enrolment was 325 pupils and teaching staff numbered 15. Accommodation was sufficient. George’s Hill Primary School was the main feeder for Secondary School. In 1980, the intake was 80 pupils, 43 were from Primary School and 37 from other schools. A decline in the population in the inner city was noted and the secondary school was phased out in 1988 and closed in 1990. A re-union for Secondary pupils was organised that same year.

1966 marked the be-centenary of the foundation of the first Catholic school for girls in St. Michan’s Parish by Teresa Mulally. The bi-centenary celebrations consisted of Solemn High Mass celebrated by the Archbishop. A pageant – “The Story of George’s Hill” was presented to a large audience in the nearby Fr. Matthew Hall, Church St. Both Primary and Secondary Pupils took part in the Pageant.

The school was located in the inner city area and the problems of unemployment, alcoholism, poor housing and working mothers were acute. These problems made the task of teachers difficult. With these difficulties in mind, a curriculum change was initiated in 1985. An early school-leavers programme was introduced for a weak second year group and a vocational preparation and training programme was started for post-Intermediate Certificate students.

Other ministries included: Nagle Rice Club for teenagers, Youthreach Programme, Mothers Club, Typewriting Evening Classes, Adult Education Classes, Personal Development Classes, Eucharistic Ministry, Retreat for Parents, Training Parish Choir, Red Cross and Home School Liaison.

In 1994, the Sisters vacated the Convent and took up residence in a new building on Halston Street. The convent was converted into apartments. The closure was due to the fact that the number of Sisters in the community had decreased greatly and after months of discernment, it was decided to donate the convent, old primary school and orphanage to Focus Ireland to be converted into apartments for homeless people. This would be in keeping with Teresa Mulally’s vision.

In 1992, the convent, chapel and school were handed over to Focus Ireland to give accommodation to people with special housing needs. There are 7 units of accommodation in the complex.

Current ministries include teaching in Primary School, Child Protection, Family Ministry, Marriage Tribunal, Prison Visitation, Ministry of Senior Citizens, Hospitality and Archival work.

There were many foundations from George’s Hill. In 1807, Mother Xavier Doyle and Sr. Angela Bigger went to 67, James Street to found a Convent. Mrs Cruise had left her house and property to them. The community moved to Richmond Rd, Fairview in 1820 and to Terenure in 1866. On 7 June 1813, Mother Ignatius Doran and Sr. Catherine Lynch founded Drogheda Convent. Mother Angela Bigger and her sister, Sr. Clare Bigger founded Killina, Rahan, in July, 1817. Mother John Hughes, Srs. Teresa and Gertrude founded Granard Convent in 1871 and on October, 10 th , 1882, the community moved to Portadown. All the foundations were autonomous houses.

In 1880, Mother John Hughes accompanied by her sister Sr. Agnes Hughes of Doneraile Presentation Convent and Sr. Teresa Chaloner of Manchester Presentation Convent, sailed to America and founded the “American Indian Mission” at Nebraska, Dakota.

The formal opening of our Heritage Centre took place on June 22 nd 2002. Sr. Margaret McCurtain O.P. gave a most encouraging and inspiring address. The centre incorporated a display of artefacts and graphic panels telling the story of our foundress, Teresa Mulally and the Presentation Sisters. The setting up of the Centre was carried out with the help of Orna Hanly and Team, 20 Ormond Quay, Dublin.

President Mary Robinson visited the school in 1993 and opened the Exhibition of the Arts and Crafts in the School Hall. President Mary McAleese honoured the school and staff with a visit in 2001. She complimented the teachers, the parents and children for the work that had been achieved.

Catholic Directory

Catholic churches, mass times, parishes, websites, schools, priests and people, presentation convent catholic school.

Need to update the information on this page?

Contact Catholic Directory here

Bishops` Conference: Catholic Bishops` Conference of Ireland

Population: 365

School Address

PRESENTATION CONVENT , DROGHEDA , CO LOUTH

Catholic Priests and People

Muireann Uidhir - Head Teacher

About Presentation Convent Catholic School

Part of the Catholic Church - you can find other Catholic Churches, Catholic Schools or Religious Orders/Houses and Chaplaincies nearby above. Or you can use the Find a Church Near Me box above to search for a Church, School etc.

Useful Definitions of the Structures in the Catholic Church

What is a catholic bishops' conference.

An episcopal conference, sometimes called a conference of bishops, is an official assembly of the bishops of the Catholic Church in a given territory. ... Individual bishops do not relinquish their immediate authority for the governance of their respective dioceses to the conference ( Wikipedia ).

What is an Archdiocese?

Dioceses ruled by an archbishop are commonly referred to as archdioceses; most are metropolitan sees, being placed at the head of an ecclesiastical province. A few are suffragans of a metropolitan see or are directly subject to the Holy See.

The term 'archdiocese' is not found in Canon Law, with the terms "diocese" and "episcopal see" being applicable to the area under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of any bishop.[8] If the title of archbishop is granted on personal grounds to a diocesan bishop, his diocese does not thereby become an archdiocese ( Wikipedia ).

What is a Diocese?

The group of churches that a bishop supervises is known as a diocese. Typically, a diocese is divided into parishes that are each overseen by a priest.

The original dioceses, in ancient Rome, were political rather than religious. Rome was divided into dioceses, each of which was made up of many provinces. After Christianity became the Roman Empire's official religion in the 4th century, the term gradually came to refer to religious districts. The Catholic Church has almost 3,000 dioceses. The Greek root of diocese is dioikesis, "government, administration, or province." ( Vocabulary.com ).

As of April 2020, in the Catholic Church there are 2,898 regular dioceses: 1 papal see, 649 archdioceses (including 9 patriarchates, 4 major archdioceses, 560 metropolitan archdioceses, 76 single archdioceses) ( Wikipedia ).

What is the difference between a Diocese and an Archdiocese?

Each diocese is within a Province - a group of Dioceses - the Archdiocese is the main Diocese within that Diocese. The bishop of that Archdiocese is therefore automatically an Archbishop. If a bishop has been made an Archbishop personally is referred to as an Archbishop but it does not make their Diocese an Archdiocese.

What is a Deanery?

A subdivision of a diocese, consisting of a number parishes, over which presides a dean appointed by a bishop. The duty of the dean is to watch over the clergy of the deanery, to see that they fulfill the orders of the bishop, and observe the liturgical and canon laws. He summons the conference of the deanery and presides at it. Periodically he makes a report to the bishop on conditions in the deanery. www.catholicculture.org

What is a Parish?

In the Roman Catholic Church, a parish (Latin: parochia) is a stable community of the faithful within a particular church, whose pastoral care has been entrusted to a parish priest (Latin: parochus), under the authority of the diocesan bishop. It is the lowest ecclesiastical subdivision in the Catholic episcopal polity, and the primary constituent unit of a diocese. In the 1983 Code of Canon Law, parishes are constituted under cc. 515–552, entitled "Parishes, Pastors, and Parochial Vicars." Wikipedia

Bishops` Conferences | Dioceses | Parishes | Organisations | Schools | Priest/Religious | People | Catholic Churches by Town | Catholic Churches by Region | Catholic Churches by Postcode | Mass Times By Town | Mass Times By City/County | Mass Times By Postcode | Catholic Masses Near Me | About Us | Contact Us (c) CatholicDirectory.org 2024 - est.1997 London, UK

Ballinakill Mixed N S, Ballinakill Mixed (Previous Catholic Church, Organisation, School)

Gaelscoil mhic amhlaigh, gaelscoil mhic amhlaigh (next catholic church, organisation, school).

Please be aware that if you do not get a reply it could be the email address we have is not currently in use. If your enquiry is important please contact Presentation Convent Catholic School by phone on 0419837119.

PRESENTATION CONVENT

Information, contact and reviews of PRESENTATION CONVENT in Drogheda, Louth.

• PRESENTATION CONVENT general information
• Principal´s name

PRESENTATION CONVENT contact

• Related Schools
• Opinions and reviews

PRESENTATION CONVENT information

What type of school is PRESENTATION CONVENT?

PRESENTATION CONVENT is a Drogheda school in 0419837119. It has students enrolled.

Roll number : 00851C

Ethos : Catholic

Irish classification description : No subjects through Irish

Gaeltacht indicator : N

Islandyn : N

PRESENTATION CONVENT students

Total Enrolments : The total number of students in PRESENTATION CONVENT

Girls Enrolments : 282 The total number of female students.

PRESENTATION CONVENT Principal’s

Teaching staff : The number of full-time and part-time PRESENTATION CONVENT teaching staff members.

PRESENTATION CONVENT Address

Discover how to get to PRESENTATION CONVENT in Drogheda (Ballymakenny Road )

PRESENTATION CONVENT suburb map

PRESENTATION CONVENT email : [email protected] Contact email

PRESENTATION CONVENT Ratings

If you know this school, please rate your opinion about it from 1 to 5. You can also express your opinion about this school in Louth in the opinions, comments and reviews section.

Academic year enrolment : 2019

No related posts.

Opinions and reviews of PRESENTATION CONVENT in

Reviews from teachers, students and parents.  Our users often ask questions and request information about the term dates, uniform , ofsted, mumsnet, teachers, former pupils and classmates, teachers and experiences.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Ireland schools » PRESENTATION CONVENT

Presentation Convent, Fair Street, MONEYMORE, Drogheda, LOUTH

Survey Data

Categories of Special Interest

Architectural, Social

Previous Name

Presentation Convent

Original Use

Convent/nunnery

Historical Use

Theatre/opera house/concert hall

1840 - 1870

Coordinates

308785, 275260

Date Recorded

Date Updated

Description

Detached four-bay three-storey former convent and school, built c. 1855, later used as theatre, no longer in use. Irregular plan, four-bay two-storey wing to north c. 1880. Pitched slate roof, clay ridge tiles, smooth render and yellow brick corbelled chimneystacks, stone verge coping to north and south gables, ball finial to south gable, moulded cast-iron gutters on yellow brick corbelled eaves course to south section, cast-iron gutters to north; circular cast-iron downpipes. Smooth rendered ruled-and-lined walling. Square-headed window openings, tooled stone sills, painted timber two-over-two sliding sash windows, windows to north wing now boarded. Square-headed door opening, plain-glazed overlight, painted timber panelled door. Bounded by high random rubble limestone wall, square-headed door opening, red brick surround, metal sheet door giving access onto Duke Street. Carpark to east.

Although no longer in use as a convent or school, this building retains much interest. The original form and proportions have been maintained and the restrained appearance and reclusive location, behind a high boundary wall, convey the nature of the convent's purpose, while it is located in the very heart of Drogheda's historic centre.

404 Not found

Proleek Dolmen

Within the golf course of Ballymascanlon House Hotel you can find two iconic reminders of County Louth’s ancient past. The Proleek Dolmen is one of Ireland’s most famous examples of a portal tomb. This is one of over 170 portal tombs (also known as dolmens) recorded in Ireland. Portal tombs generally date to the earlier part of the Neolithic period (c.3800–3500 BC). Geographically they are more common in the northern half of the island, with some clusters in the west and the south-east. This example at Proleek consists of two large upright stones (known as portal stones), each measuring over 2 metres (6.5 ft) tall, and a back stone supporting a massive capstone that is estimated to weigh over 40 tonnes.

Just a short distance away is a fine example of a wedge tomb. Wedge tombs are the most numerous of Ireland’s megalithic tombs, with around 505 known examples around the country. This is a later monument than the portal tomb, and was probably constructed some time around 2500 BC, around the end of the Neolithic period and the beginning of the Bronze Age, in a transitional period known to archaeologists as the Chalcolithic. This is the time when the first copper and metal tools began to be made in Ireland. This era is also known as the Beaker Period, due to the appearance of a particular type of pottery drinking vessel. You can hear a great discussion on the Beaker People with Dr. Neil Carlin in this episode of our Amplify Archaeology Podcast . The proximity of the two monuments is interesting – the portal tomb had already stood here for millennia before the wedge tomb was constructed. Those who built the later tomb are quite likely to have been from a completely different cultural background (perhaps even a genetically different), though they must have attached meaning and significance to the older monument to leave it untouched and to build their own in its shadow.

For practical information about visiting this site  Click Here

Proleek Dolmen • Louth

The Folklore of Proleek Dolmen

Proleek Dolmen stands on the golf course at Ballymascanlon House Hotel • Louth

A number of interesting stories associated with the Proleek Dolmen can be found in the fantastic School’s Folklore Collection . One collected by a teacher by the name of James Mc Creesh of the Dulargy School, Louth, wrote of the mythological origins of the dolmen:

‘It is locally called the giant’s load and it is said the giant who put it up got his death of drinking of waters from the river these being poisoned by an enemy. Others say it is a monument over some mighty chieftain of old, but in truth little is known about its origin… About 100 yards from the cromlech is an enclosure in the shape of a grave. It is locally called the “giant’s grave” meaning of course that the giant who met his death as the result of the poisoned waters lies in it.’

Local folkloric tradition suggests that you will be married within the year if you can throw a small pebble back over your head and it lands on top of the capstone without rolling off, and it’s clear that some people continue the tradition to this day (though being a killjoy I’m always a little nervous of people throwing rocks at an ancient tomb!). This is something which is mentioned in the recording of Betty Bowden , a student of Presentation Convent, Drogheda, from an account given by Mr Bill Wissitt:

‘The people of the district tell us, that if you can place three stones without falling on top of the big stone you will be married inside a year. Old people warn us to clear out of the place before 6 o’clock or wee people will carry you away for ever. It is said to be a great meeting place of the fairies. The old people tell us that they have often seen the small red man.’

Upper left: The nearby wedge tomb • Lower left: Note the small stones on the top of the capstone, part of an old tradition • Right: The portal tomb

Top : The nearby wedge tomb • Middle : The portal tomb • Bottom : Note the small stones on the top of the capstone, part of an old tradition

Proleek Dolmen Visitor Information

Co-ordinates: Lat. 54.037185, Long: -6.348246.

Irish Grid Reference: J 08203 11047.

Opening Times: Open all year round.

Entry Fee: Free.

Accessibility: There are paths that lead up to the tombs, though do keep an eye out for low-flying golfballs!

Dog Friendly? As it is situated on a busy golf course no dogs are allowed.

Suitable for Young Children (Under 10)? The golf course would put me off bringing a little one, in case they strayed off the path.

Directions to Proleek Dolmen: Exit the M1 motorway at Junction 18 and continue east on the R173. Turn left into the entrance for Ballymascanlon Hotel and park at the hotel. Follow the signs along the path to the site, the walk takes approximately ten minutes or so.

Explore more sites in Ireland’s Ancient East

Powerscourt House and Gardens

Vinegar hill, the hill of slane.

Contact Info

Contact information.

• Former Friaries
• Stradbally (Co. Laois)

There are no significant remains on the site at the back of the Presentation Convent School.

The early history of the friars in Stradbally is confusing.  The building was erected by Lord O’Moore about 1447 for the Conventual friars.  The friary escaped suppression until 1569, probably due to its small size.  The community went into hiding.  Three of them were discovered in 1588 and were hung, drawn and quartered near Abbeyleix.  Two friars returned to the area in 1642, but were forced to leave during the Cromwellian persecution.  There seems to have been no really serious effort to return to the area after this.

Provincial Website

Praying Nature

Micheál Ó Cléirigh Institute

National Museum

Franciscan Altar Plate

// Leinster

• Ballinabarny (Co. Wicklow)
• Ballinasaggart (Co. Longford)
• Castledermot (Co. Kildare)
• Clane (Co. Kildare)
• Courtown/Meadstown (Co. Meath)
• Drogheda (Co. Louth)
• Dundalk (Co. Louth)
• Enniscorthy (Co. Wexford)
• Gorey (Co Wexford)
• Kilcullen (Co. Kildare)
• Kildare (Kildare Town)
• Kilkenny (Kilkenny City)
• Killeigh (Co. Mayo)
• Monasteroris (Co. Offaly)
• New Ross (Co. Wexford)
• Slane (Co. Meath)
• Trim (Co. Meath)
• Wexford (Wexford Town)
• Wicklow (Wicklow Town)