St. Mullins Heritage Centre
Since 1986 the former Church of Ireland Church, originally built in1811, now houses the
St. Mullins Muintir na Tire Heritage Centre. The Centre is situated beside the famous Monastic Ruins and Cemetery.
Within the Church there are five monuments to the McMurrough Kavanaghs of Borris House who are buried in the vault which is located underneath the Church. All aspects of local history including publications, church records, maps, old photographs and artefacts are housed here.
St. Mullins in South Carlow is situated on the River Barrow, nestling between the Blackstairs Mountains on one side and Brandon Hill on the other. This most picturesque village is approximately four miles from Graiguenamanagh, nine miles from Borris and New Russ, xxmiles from Carlow town, twenty-two miles from Kilkenny and Waterford and forty miles from the seaport of Rosslare.
Before the 7th century this place was known as "Ros Broc" - Badger's Wood and
"Achadh Cainidh" - Kennedy's Field. It was later called "Tighe Moling", the House of Moling - St. Mullins.
St. Moling, born in 614 was a prince, poet, artist and craftsman, as well as a priest. Under the patronage of Mae doc (Aidan) of Ferns he built his monastery in St.Mullins in the 7th century with the help of "Gobban Saor", the legendary Irish builder. He was a man of self- help; he ran a cornmill for his monastery and local farmers. He dug a mile long watercourse with his own hands to power his mill - a task which took seven years. He started the first ferry service in his home-made raft across the Barrow. This service survived in St.Mullins until the mid 1960s. He will always be remembered for obtaining the remission of the Borumean tribute. This was an oppressive tax levied on the people of Leinster by the High Kings of Ireland. He was made Archbishop of Ferns in 691. During his lifetime many miracles were attributed to him, even to this day many cures are sought by visiting the Blessed Well. He died in 696 and was buried in St.Mullins.
Resting place of St Moling. Photo Carlow County Museum.
The Monastic Ruins can still be seen and include a number of churches, domestic buildings and the base of a round tower. There is a ninth century granite High Cross depicting the Crucifixion and Celtic spiral pattern. St. Molings Mill and Well are a short distance away.
Tours of the site are available but must be booked in advance, with special rate bookings for school children and senior citizens.
Opening Hours of the Heritage Centre: Monday 9.00am - 4.30pm
Tuesday 9.00am - 4.30pm
Wednesday 9.00am-1.00pm (October – June)
Sunday 2.00pm - 6.00pm (June – October)
For further information please contact: Ms Anne Doyle, Receptionist & Tour Guide. (087) 9013672
Mr. Pat Doyle Founder Member (059) 9724140
Mr. Frank Clarke Local Historian (051) 42424635
Ms Mary O'Neill Local Historian (087) 4166710
Admission to Heritage Centre: Donation of £2.00,
For the ongoing restoration and upkeep of the Centre Tour of Monastic Ruins & Cemetery: 3.00 per person
Bell Tower at St Mullins. Photo Carlow County Museum.
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