Guided site visits to mark International Day of Monuments and Sites

Westmeath Heritage Office is organising a guided visit to three recently conserved monuments; Templecross Church in Tristernagh and the ‘Leper Hospital’ and the Malone Mausoleum in Kilbixy to mark International Day for Monuments and Sites, Saturday April 18.

Templecross Church is a 15th century chapel on the site of an earlier church. The 15th century ruin has a priest’s residence on the upper floor and a central feature of the chapel is the 17th century armorial plaque to the chronicler Henry Piers. Templecross was home to the ‘Corp Naomh’ Bell Shrine, now in the National Museum of Ireland.

From Templecross, the tour will visit nearby Kilbixy, where conservation architect Richard McLouglin, who led the conservation of these two unique monuments, will guide the group.

The ‘Leper Hospital’ ruin lies within the grounds of St Biseach’s Church and a larger deserted medieval settlement. There will be an opportunity to see the early medieval grave slab on display in St Biseach’s Church and interior of the pyramidal mausoleum to the Malone family.

This event is free to attend and has been organised as an action of the Westmeath Heritage Plan, funded by the Heritage Council with support from Westmeath County Council.

As parking is limited at the sites, a minibus will depart Mullingar at 9.30am and pick up at Bunbrosna at 10am. Book your place online at https://tr.ee/B-vcgd9Dkw or contact the Heritage Office in Westmeath County Council’s Planning Department.