Ardrahan Heritage

 

Ardrahan is a historic village with a long past. It originated as a sixth-century monastery at the heart of the early Irish kingdom of the Uí Fiachradh Aidhne. In the 13th century it became a defended manorial village of Maurice Fitzgerald. It was redeveloped as a landlord’s estate village by the Taylors of Castletaylor in the 17th century. The establishment of a new Catholic church, national school and community hall in the 19th and 20th centuries created a second village centre in the parish in nearby Labane. 

Ardahan Heritage promotes interest in all aspects of the folk traditions, history, archaeology and built heritage of the Labane-Ardrahan community. Our activities include talks, walks and practical conservation projects. Supported by public grants and expert supervision, our conservation projects include restoration of Cregclare mausoleum and the ornamental gateway to Cregclare Demesne, and reinstatement of a series of 18th-century carved limestone milestones between Gort and Kilcolgan. Folklife is celebrated by our annual hay-saving meitheal. The ‘milestones cycle ride’ is another enjoyable annual family event.