Seminar reflects on Mayo’s ‘Big Houses’

The Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Heritage, Environment, Language and Culture Working group, in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Mayo, recently held a seminar on 'The Big House: Past, Present and Future'.

The seminar on November 23rd last was hailed as insightful, engaging and educational.

The event brought academics, authors, historians, interested groups and individuals together to hear from some of the experts in relation to the past, present and future of our big houses in Mayo. Speakers included: Dr Ciaran Reilly (Maynooth University), Dr Michael O’Connor (Independent scholar), Dr Fiona White (ATU, Mayo), Noel Campbell (National Museum of Ireland), Chris Huxley (Lough Carra Catchment Association), Kate McAney (The Vincent Wildlife Trust) and Robert Coyne (Mayo County Council) who spoke on a variety of topics from landlords connections with the slave trade to modern-day projects of success like the future of Moore Hall.

“This was an extremely valuable event,” said Justin Sammon, Chairperson of the Mayo Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Heritage, Environment, Language and Culture working group. “Speakers brought great life and purpose to the history and future of the Big House e.g. Moore Hall and Turlough House. The packed lecture room indicated the level of the interest in our Big Houses here in Mayo.” 

The seminar gave an opportunity for speakers and attendees to engage through a questions and answers forum chaired by Cllr Al McDonnell and Justin Sammon. Speakers highlighted the rich and sometimes controversial historical significance of these sites, their reuse in the present as sites of education and public service and the incredible biodiversity that can be found inside the house and their surrounding environs.

Dr Fiona White (Programme Chair of the BA (Hons in History and Geography, ATU Mayo), said: "The seminar highlighted the importance of the ‘Big House in Ireland’ as a place of significant architectural, cultural and natural heritage. The fact that the event was fully booked demonstrates the public’s interest in the topic and supports the argument for further funding and protection of these sites for future generations to enjoy."

The event served as a vital platform for attendees to meet experts, ask questions, and gain insights into the role of the Big House in our communities past, present and future.

Cllr Al Mc Donnell said: “Mayo County Council has been involved in the reimagining of Moore Hall and Turlough House and it was wonderful to see and hear the wonderful development stories of these projects. I was delighted to be part of the restoration project in relation to Moore Hall and to support this important informative event as an elected member of Mayo County Council and of the working LCDC group.” 

Cllr McDonnell thanked Dr Fiona White for her contribution towards this unique event as well as all the LCDC working group members including Anne Ronayne of Mayo County Council and Sharon Horkan of Mayo North East for event organisation.

Members of the LCDC group are Justin Sammon Mayo North East; Cllr Al Mc Donnell, Mayo County Council; Anne Ronayne, Mayo County Council; Bernard Joyce and Billy Freeley, Mayo LCDC; and Tim Roderick, National Parks and Wildlife.