4 days ago
Plans underway to manage ivy and vegetation growth at historic Skreen church and graveyard
The event will highlight the history of the medieval parish church ruins at Skreen, tracing its origins, medieval role, and ongoing significance as a sacred and communal site.
The sub committee have been concerned about the extent and weight of ivy on the medieval church ruins and infiltration of ivy within the church, vaults and box tombs on the site. Ivy management within historic graveyards such as this requires consultation with National Monuments Service and National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure no detrimental impact to important habitats or historic fabric is caused in any short or long term maintenance plans.
The group have appointed a team of inter-disciplinary specialists to carry out a preliminary Conservation Assessment of Skreen Medieval Church & Graveyard. This work will be helpful in drawing up a phased programme of vegetation management, conservation and interpretation for the site.
Enniscrone based consultants, Atlantic Archaeology are documenting the various archaeological and historical features on the site and assessing their significance and vulnerabilities.
Sligo based archaeologist Mary Timoney who has spent many years documenting, researching and publishing on the magnificent carvings on the box tombs at Skreen and elsewhere has been advising around the various tombs, their significance and conservation.
Oran Ecology are mapping various habitats and ecological sensitivities on the site and advising on a vegetation management plan. Molloys Conservation Architects are advising on vulnerabilities and conservation of built heritage aspects of the site. A detailed survey of the site is being carried out in the coming weeks to inform future phases of work subject to funding.
The enthusiasm, guidance and expert local knowledge of the members of Skreen Select Vestry Monuments Sub-Committee has been invaluable to the various specialists who have visited the site to date. The care and ongoing maintenance in the graveyard and surrounds is inspiring and shows the determination of the local community to ensure this highly significant archaeological and historic site can be appreciated by all for many years to come.
The heritage week event will be led by Archaeologist Erin Casson of Atlantic Archaeology and will pay particular focus on the History and Heritage of Skreen medieval church ruins. The talk will explore the site's origins, its role as a Medieval parish Church and its enduring importance as a sacred place and communal space within the community to the present.
Skreen, in County Sligo, takes its name from An Scrín ('the Shrine'), reflecting on its early Christian heritage. Tradition links the area to St. Adamnán, biographer of St. Columbkille, suggesting it was an important ecclesiastical site in the early medieval period. Situated along the fertaile coastal plain between knocknarea and the Ox Mountains, Skreen lies within a rich Archaeological landscape marked by megalithic tombs, early monastic remains and a medieval
church.
Throughout the Middle Ages, it was associated with the powerful local lordship of Sligo, its religious and strategic significance making it a noble centre in both ecclesiastical and secular history.
The programme will include: - A short talk on the History and Archaeology of Skreen Church. - A guided walk around the site, highlighting details of the ruins - Details around conservation plan, ecology surveys etc being generously funded by the Heritage Council - Time for questions and discussions within an informal setting to encourage storytelling and shared memories of the site amongst the public. Tea and refreshments afterwards organised by Skreen Select Vestry Monuments Sub-Committee
