Fabulous new book on Medieval Mayo

Medieval Mayo — Churches and Abbeys, a book on the medieval abbeys and churches of Mayo, was recently launched in Ballintubber Abbey.

Written by the late Dr Peter Harbison, and produced by Mayo County Council Heritage Office, the book presents a selection of Mayo’s Christian monuments created from 600-1600AD.

Captured in the book is not only the richness of Mayo’s religious medieval monuments, but also their beautiful landscape settings.

Speaking at the launch, which was hosted by UCD professor of archaeology Tadhg O’Keeffe, cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council councillor Michael Loftus, said: “Peter has written a wonderful book, which communicates the value and importance of Mayo’s ecclesiastical and archaeological heritage in a manner that is accessible and speaks to a wide audience.”

Peter Harbison was a historian, editor, author of many books and one of Ireland’s best-known archaeologists.

His son John, speaking on behalf of the Harbison family, said: “Peter would have been delighted with this excellent book, especially because he always wanted his last book to be as special as this one is.

“He would also be very happy that the book was launched in Ballintubber Abbey — such an appropriate location for the launch, given the Abbey’s long history and standing, but also given the stations of the cross in the abbey, which was carved by Peter’s close friend, Imogen Stuart.

“I would like to thank Mayo County Council, and in particular [heritage officer] Deirdre Cunningham, for the fantastic partnership to make the book possible. We hope the book will help the continued great work of all the historical, archaeological and heritage societies in Mayo, that Peter supported so passionately during his lifetime.”

Along with Ballintubber Abbey, other well-known abbeys that feature in the book include Cong, Murrisk, Burrishoole, Moyne, and Rosserk, which represent some of the most impressive medieval monastic complexes anywhere in Europe.

Also presented in the book are early medieval sites such as Mayo Abbey, Fallmore, and Croagh Patrick, and those with round towers — such as Aghagower, Killala, Turlough and Meelick — Mayo has one of the highest concentrations of round towers anywhere in the country.

Speaking at the launch, council chief executive Kevin Kelly said: “Heritage is a key driver of our tourism industry and contributes enormously to our quality of life, and this is particularly evident in Mayo.

“We hope visitors and locals alike will enjoy this beautiful book, as it brings them on a wonderful journey of discovery through 1,000 years of Mayo’s ecclesiastical history.” The book is available in shops and from www.mayobooks.ie, priced €25.