Drumlane

The ancient church of Drumlane overlooks Derrybrick Lough, one of the many lakes of Cavan. Drumlane was an important early church site associated with St Aidan or Maedhóg, who is also associated with Ferns, Co. Wexford. During the 12th century it became a house of Augustinian canons. The surviving structures consist of a round tower and a medieval church. The round tower dates from the late 11th or early 12th century. It survives to about 11.5m in height and is built in two different forms of masonry. The base was very well-built using squared blocks, whereas the rest of the tower has been constructed with rubble masonry. This may simply reflect a cost-cutting exercise on behalf of the builders after reviewing the cost of the base. The earlier church at the site was entirely replaced by a large medieval building. The west doorway is 13th century in date, but was reconstructed in the 15th century when a carved head of a bishop was also added. There is another carved head over the south doorway, and three more over the exterior of the east window. Drumlane was a burial place of the local Gaelic lords, the O’Reillys, in late medieval times, and the remains of tomb niches in the church date from this period. A decorative metalwork shrine, called the Breac Maedhóg, now in the National Museum of Ireland, was kept here in medieval times and housed relics of a number of saints including Maedhóg. Please note that many of these monuments may be on private land and may not be publicly accessible. When setting out to visit monuments please ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Access to monuments without Visitor Services may be across uneven ground which may not be suitable for everyone and, in particular, wheelchair users.