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Early Christian Drumcliffe
In 574 Columba founded a monastry at Drumcliffe. We are very proud
of our 10th century High Cross whic is carved with Biblical scenes
and was used to teach Pilgrims the Christian faith.
The Round Tower had many functions - it was used as a bell tower
and as a refuge against plundering Vikings and local chieftians.
Local legend says the tower will fall down when the wisest man in
the world passes under it!!! |
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A audio-visual presentation on St. Columba's connections with Drumcliffe
is shown in the church to pre booked groups.
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We are world famous because the poet W.B.Yeats was buried here
in 1948, having died in France in 1939.
Yeat's great grandfather, John Yeats, was rector in the early 19th
century. The Yeats children had many happy childhood memories of holidays
in Sligo.
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The Yeat's Connection
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"Under Bare Benbulben's head
In Drumcliffe Churchyard Yeat's is laid.
An ancestor was rector there
Long years ago.
A church stands near,
By the road an ancient cross.
No marble, no convential phrase;
On limestone quarried near the spot
By his command these words are cut;
Cast a cold eye
On life, on death.
Horseman pass by! "
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Drumcliffe Church Building
The Church was built in 1809 using stones from old
monastry! Parts of a High Cross have been found in the walls.
The mural on the east wall "Holy, Holy, Holy,
Lord God Alighty" reminding us of who we gather to worship
is unique in the Church of Ireland.
Extensive burial records are retained by the parish.
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This fine Gothic style building, built by the Gore-Booth family,
was consecrated in 1858. The grounds of the church also contains the
burial plot of the Gore-Booth family.
It is famous for its stunning stained glass William Warrington windows
- one of which can be seen below.
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Lissadell Parish Church
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In her childhood Countess Constance Markievicz worshipped in Lissadell
Parish Church. In the heyday of the Lissadell estate many of the staff
were active members of the parish.
The church is less than a mile from Lissadell
House also renowned in Yeat's poetry. Click here to visit their
website.
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St. Kevin's Chapel of Ease, Munninane
Pictured right is the little chapel of ease built
by the Gore-Booths in 1896 to because too many parishoners were
sneaking off to the Gospel Hall at Cashelgarron!! It is the youngest
Church of Ireland church in Connacht!!
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