Ballintubber Abbey Trust Welcomes €5.842 Million Funding

Ballintubber Abbey Trust Welcomes €5.842 Million Funding for Ballintubber Abbey Restoration Project.

Ballintubber Abbey Trust is thrilled to welcome the announcement by Minister Heather Humphries of the allocation of €5.842m from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, to the Ballintubber Abbey Restoration Project.

This funding marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of Fr Fahey, Fr Farragher, and the Ballintubber Abbey Trust, who have diligently worked on the Restoration of the East Wing Restoration Project since 2008. It will start a new chapter in the story of this remarkable institution and will herald a new dawn for the entire community who have worked so hard and so long to get us to this momentous day!

The restoration project will transform the derelict ruins of the East Wing of the Abbey into a state-of-the-art three-story Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre. This exciting development will serve to engage and inspire visitors, showcasing the remarkable historical, cultural, and spiritual legacy of Ballintubber Abbey, often referred to as the “Abbey that refused to die.”

The Centre will provide a significant boost to the local community and will enhance the Mayo visitor experience. Coupled with other significant investments like the Westport House Estate Ballintubber Abbey Cultural and Visitor Centre will contribute to Mayo’s growing appeal as a high quality and must-be-experienced visitor destination. Currently attracting over 30,000 visitors and pilgrims annually, including those walking the Tóchar Phadraig – St. Patrick’s Pilgrim Path – this new development is poised to drive substantial growth in visitor numbers.

Ballintubber Abbey Trust extends heartfelt our gratitude to Minister Alan Dillon for championing this project, as well as to Deputy Michael Ring for his unwavering support.

The Trust also acknowledges the invaluable assistance of all our local Councillors.

We extend our deep appreciation to Mayo County Council management and staff – Kevin Kelly, CE, Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, and David O’Malley, Executive Engineer, and their team for their tireless efforts in securing this critical funding.

“We are truly excited to embark on this transformative project and eagerly anticipate commencing construction before the end of 2024” said Fr. Farragher … Chair of the Ballintubber Abbey Trust. 

Minister Dillon says, “I was delighted to work closely with Mayo County Council, Minister Humphreys and the Ballintubber Abbey Trust to secure this significant funding.

The capital funding injection of €5.8 million for Ballintubber Abbey will transform the 800 year old Abbey into a state-of-the-art three-story Visitor centre.

This is a very important project to me, one that I have worked on for some time. It is a huge vote of confidence for Mayo tourism, the Ballintubber community and its residents, they truly deserve this wonderful news. I’m looking forward to seeing works commence later this year.”