Description

Standing peacefully on the scenic shores of Urlaur Lake near Kilkelly, County Mayo, the historic ruins of Urlaur Abbey have kept watch over the landscape for over five centuries. Giving Voice To The Stones – The Story of Urlaur Abbey serves as a vital, expertly researched heritage guide dedicated to preserving the memory of this sacred Dominican foundation.

The book traces the abbey’s story from its founding by the powerful Costello family in 1438, through the dark eras of Cromwellian suppression and penal restrictions, to its role as a focal point for the famous annual Urlaur Pattern day. Packed with detailed architectural diagrams, beautiful modern photographs, and transcribed gravestone records from the historic cemetery, this volume stands out for its clarity and accuracy, making it an essential treasure for local families and cultural historians alike.

What you will discover within this heritage guide:

• Detailed Monastic Timelines: Tracks the daily lives, spiritual routines, and economic impacts of the Dominican friars across centuries of change.

• Cemetery Archive Transcripts: Features an invaluable record of historic family names and inscriptions from the old abbey burial grounds.

• Rich Architectural Mapping: Illustrates the building techniques, ornate stone carvings, and structural layouts of the preserved ruins.