Lissadell Church Restoration Fund

Lissadell and Munninane Churches Select Vestry are raising money toward the conservation of Lissadell Church building. In 2020 we commissioned a Conservation Report for Lissadell Church which highlighted several Grade 1 defects in the building. We aim to address these defects over the coming years and to safeguard the building for future generations.

Lissadell Church was consecrated on the 4th June 1858 by Bishop Beresford. The church seats 300 people but today has a small worshipping community. The building has also hosted events such as music concerts, theatre performances as well as flower/Christmas tree festivals.

This historic building is listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as a building of regional importance, and it is also a National Monument listed on the Record of Monuments and Places.

This year (2023) we are working on two projects of considerable importance to the building:

• Conservation of five stained glass windows

• Repair of a large crack in the stonework at the back of the church

The east windows of Lissadell Church are originals made by Warrington (London) in the 1850's. These are most likely the second oldest windows of their type in Ireland. These ornate windows feature handpainted depictions of biblical scenes. The windows have already been removed to Dublin by Connon Stained Glass and will return in October 2023 fully conserved. This project is part-funded by The Heritage Council and Sligo County Council with a shortfall of €2,500 remaining.

The repair of a large crack in the stonework at the back of the church is also on our list of works for 2023. A report on this defect has been compiled by a structural engineer. We hope to work on this also as a matter of urgency.

Lissadell and Munninane Churches Select Vestry are very thankful to our local community and international friends who have donated to us over the years and who we know will support us in our current endeavors. We hope to build on this current phase of work with further projects in 2024 and any additional funds raised through this campaign will be put towards the Lissadell Church Restoration Fund for works to the building.

*The Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh is our Registered parent charity (RCN: 20015091), all money raised will be transferred from the diocese to the Lissadell Church Restoration Fund at the end of the fundraising campaign.

Update 25/08/23

Due to the collapse of the cracked masonry support we now require additional funds to repair the issue and make the building safe for public use again. We really appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing these works progress.